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EXTRACTS 



« FROM THE 



LETTERS AND JOURNAL 



DANIEL WHEELER, 



WHILE ENGAGED IN A RELIGIOUS VISIT 

TO THE INHABITANTS OF SOME OF THE 

ISLANDS OF THE PACIFIC OCEAN, 

VAN DIEMEN'S LAND, NEW SOUTH WALES, 
AND NEW ZEALAND, 

ACCOMPANIED BY HIS SON, 

CHARLES WHEELER. 



J 



PHILADELPHIA: 

PRINTED BY JOSEPH RAKESTRAW, AND FOR SALE AT THE OFFICE OF THE 
FRIEND, AND BY KIMBER & SHARPLESS, NO. 50 NORTH FOITITH STREET ; 
AND URIAH HUNT, NO. 101 MARKET STREET. 

./ 1840. 



PREFACE 

TO THE AMERICAN EDITION. 



The " Extracts from the Journal of Daniel Wheeler," were origi- 
nally published under the direction of the Meeting for Sufferings in 
London, in four parts, at different intervals of time, as they came to 
hand. In re-printing them here, it has been thought that a division 
into chapters, for the greater facility of reference, would be convenient 
to the reader. Two documents, not included in the London edition, 
furnished by Daniel Wheeler for that purpose, have been added, and 
some errors of the press, which escaped notice in the English edition, 
have been corrected. 

It is hoped that the example of dedication to the service of his Divine 
Master, exhibited in the following pages, as well as the remarkable 
manner in which way was providentially made for the accomplishment 
of his religious duties, and the support and preservation mercifully 
granted during his long and exposing journey by sea and land, may 
prove an incentive to others to dedicate their time and talents to the 
Lord's work, as he may be pleased to engage and lead them therein ; 
that thus the cause and kingdom of our dear Redeemer may be spread 
in the earth. 

The situation of the injured natives of the South Sea Islands, de- 
scribed in the Extracts, and the evils they suffer from the contaminat- 
ing examples and wicked conduct of those calling themselves Christians, 
who visit their shores, are calculated to affect every feeling heart with 
sensations of compassion, of sorrow and of shame, and are, indeed, a 
disgrace to the Christian name. May the perusal of the following 
pages awaken attention to this deeply painful subject, especially among 
persons concerned in whaling or trading voyages in those seas, and 
induce the sacrifice of every prospect of pecuniary gain, which contri- 
butes to produce such deplorable and demoralizing effects. 

Not only captains and other officers of vessels touching at the 
Islands, are implicated in the guilt of these abominable practices, but 
the owners of the ships, and those who participate in the profits of the 
voyages, have their share in the awful responsibility. A more vigilant 
watch over the crews, and greater care to select religious and moraL 



IV PREFACE. 

men tor every department, and the total 'prohibition of ardent spirits, 
either as cargo or stores, would contribute to a reformation — it being 
sorrowfully the case, that some styled temperance ships, in which the 
crews are not permitted to partake of the baneful poison, carry it out 
as an article of trade, to sell to the poor natives. 

Can we wonder if the attempts to spread the knowledge of the Chris- 
tian religion among the natives of those islands prove unsuccessful, 
while they behold such inconsistent examples in the conduct of profess- 
ing Christians 1 Should one of the Islanders acquire a knowledge of 
the Holy Scriptures, and compare with the benign precepts of our 
blessed Lord, which are there recorded, the actions of those who pro- 
fess to make the Sacred Writings the rule of their conduct, would he 
not justly conclude that the white people themselves had need to be 
converted, before they attempted to convert others. And would he 
not be in danger of thinking, that if the Christian precepts and doc- 
trines had done so little toward restraining the evil passions and regu- 
lating the demeanour of those who had so long made a profession of 
them, he had little to hope from a change in his religion 1 Sad indeed 
is it to think that the precious and holy doctrines of the Saviour of 
mankind should thus be scandalized by those who unworthily take 
upon them the sacred name of Christ. Awful is the responsibility of 
such ; for, instead of showing forth a good conversation with meek- 
ness of wisdom, and thus letting their lights shine before men, that 
others seeing their good works may be induced to come and take the 
yoke of Christ upon them and submit to his cross, and thus glorify 
our Father who is in heaven, " the name of God is blasphemed among 
the Gentiles," through their wicked conduct — they neither enter them- 
selves, nor suffer those who would, to enter the kingdom of hea- 
ven. May this subject obtain the serious consideration of all who are 
concerned in it, or who are interested for the spread of the Redeem- 
er's kingdom; that in his wisdom and by his might, a stop may be put 
to these crying sins, and the blessed day be hastened, when the know- 
ledge of the glory of the Lord shall cover the earth as the waters 
cover the sea, and from every heart and in every clime, incense and a 
pure offering be offered unto the Lord in righteousness. 

Philadelphia, Third month, 1840. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 

PAGE 

Introductory remarks — sails from the Thames — detention at the Isle of 
Wight — change of Captain — farewell Letter — final departure — passage 
to Rio de Janeiro — a suspicious sail — arrival at Rio de Janeiro — detention 
at Quarantine — landing — religious engagements — Slavery, 9 

CHAPTER II. 

Sail from Brazil — determine to proceed by the Cape of Good Hope — heavy 
sea — escape from shipwreck — imminent danger — remarkable preservation 
— continuance of stormy weather — lightening the vessel — hurricane — 
lying to — tyfoons — hurricane — tremendous storms — land ui sight, 26 

CHAPTER HI. 

Van Diemen's Land — blown off— enter Storm Bay — anchor off Hobart Town 
— meeting with James Backhouse and George W. Walker — the " Henry 
Freeling" — illness — sail from Hobart Town — Botany Bay — arrival at Sid- 
ney — Aborigines — visit from a missionary — interview with the governor 
— conclude to stop at Norfolk Island — an aged missionary — public meet- 
ing at Sidney — a visit to the governor — the ship's company — religious 
engagements, 39 

CHAPTER IV. 

Sail from Sidney — meetings on sTiip board — arrive off Norfolk Island — part- 
ing with James Backhouse and George Washington Walker — sail for the 
Society Islands — equinoctial gale — enter the Torrid Zone — Maitea — ar- 
rive at Tahiti — first interview with the natives — visit from the king — 
prohibition of ardent spirits — meeting of the missionaries and natives at 
at Papaoa, 51 

CHAPTER V. 

Tahiti— visit of chiefs — the young kmg — meeting for sailors — distribution 
of tracts. Bibles, &c. — temperance ships — introduction of ardent spirits — 
visit to the schools — attend the native meeting — visiters on board — John 
Davies — meeting on board — importance of translating and circulating the 
Scriptures — Tahitian council — native meeting, 62 

CHAPTER VI. 

Visit to Bunaauia — native meeting — kindness of the principal chief— Point 
Venus — perilous situation — Tiarei — native meeting — meeting at Point 
Venus — visit to Taiarapu — Papara — beautiful scenery — school at Tea- 
hurpoo — meeting of the natives — letter from the native congregation — 
favoured opportunity — native meeting at Papara — return to the " Henry 
Freelmg" — letter from the queen of Tahiti, 76 

CHAPTER VII. 

Set out for Tautira — a native feeding — meetings at Tautira — visit to Hi- 
tea — a solemn opportunity — public meeting — return to the " Henry Free- 
ling" — meeting for the white residents — obstructions to the progress of 
religion — visit to the queen — meeting for the white residents on board 
the " Henry Freeling" — letters from home — distribution of books — meet- 
ing on board the " Charles Carroll," 91 



VI CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER VIII. 

PAGE 

An old acquaintance — visit from missionaries — Baron de Thierry— second 
meeting on board the " Charles Carroll" — a sick stranger — meeting in 
the chapel — sail for Eimeo — letters from home — fall of a mast — arrive at 
Eimeo— native school — native meeting — demoralizing influence of foreign- 
ers — iniquitous traffic in spirits, 108 

CHAPTER IX. 

Meeting with the native children at Papetoai — visit to Afareaitu — meetings 
there and at Matea — a Marai — return to the " Henry Freeling" — meet- 
ing on board — native meeting — the imity of the brethren — a warning 
against intemperance — meeting with the mission families — sail for Hua- 
hine — prohibition of spirits there — native meeting — an invitation from 
the pilot — social meeting of the authorities — native meeting — distribution 
of tracts — sail for Raiatea, 120 

CHAPTER X. 

Raiatea — arrival at Uturoa — ^native meeting — a place of human sacrifice — 
meeting at Tahaa — a native feeding — Bolabola — desolating effects of in- 
temperance — native meeting — meeting with the rebel chief and his idol- 
atrous party — native meeting — wretchedness of the inhabitants— distribu- 
tion of clothing — sail for the Sandwich Islands — contrary winds — Flint's 
Island — cross the equator — favourable change — Hawaii in sight — Oahu, 137 



CHAPTER XI. 

Sandwich Islands — Oahu — anchor in the harbour of Honolulu — native meet- 
ing — letter from the governing chief of the Sandwich Islands — visit from 
the king — meeting at the mariner's chapel — distribution of tracts, &c. — 
native meeting — meeting at the chapel — visit of the governor of Hawaii 
— half-caste girls' school — meeting at the chapel — native marriages — na- 
tive meeting — meeting at the chapel — native girls' school, 158 

CHAPTER Xn. 

Interview with the queen — public meeting — publications of the mission press 
— half-caste boys' school — address to the rulers of the Sandwich Islands — 
visit from the mission families — meeting at the chapel — an infidel ship's 
company — appointed meeting — departure from Honolulu — Hawaii — an- 
chor in Kalakakua bay — native visitors — public meeting — interesting op- 
portunity with the mission family — proceed to Kailua — relics of idolatry 
— native meetings — visit of the king — leave for Waimea mission station, 178 



CHAPTER XIII. 

Waimea — native meeting — sail for Koala — cascades — letter of introduction 
— volcano — Byron's Bay — a Tabu — native meetings — cascade of the rain- 
bow — sail with the mission families for Maui — marriage on board — part- 
ing interview between the natives and missionaries — island of Maui — 
anchor at Lahaina — proceed to Wairuku — school — native meeting — meet- 
ings at Lahaina — high school at Lahaina Luna — sail for Oahu — landing 
of the missionaries, 204 



CONTENTS. VII 

CHAPTER XIV. 

PAGE 

Oahu — death of Captain Russel — annual meeting of the missionaries — 
meeting at Eva — meeting with the members of the mission — addressed 
by the senior missionary — sail for Tauai — native meeting at Koala— sail 
for Hanarei mission station — native meeting — Waimea — purchasmg sup- 
plies — oppression of the natives — final departure from the Sandwich 
Islands — letter from the missionaries — address to the missionaries, 219 

CHAPTER XV. 

Re-cross the Equator — Hervey Islands — land upon the Island of Roratogna 
— friendly reception — school — native meetings — the three mission sta- 
tions — kindness of the natives — increase of population — remarks on leav- 
ing the Hervey Islands — letter from a native scholar — sail for the 
Friendly Isles, 235 

CHAPTER XVI. 

Friendly Islands — island of Vavau — Wesleyan missionaries — appearance of 
the natives — native meetings at Neiafli, Feletoa, and Haalaufuli — appoint- 
ed meeting for seamen — visit to the island of Otea — native meeting — 
lofty cavern — King George — meeting at Hihifo — earthquake — meetings 
at Matika — at Neiafu — embarkation of the mission families — sail for 
Lifuka, 251 

CHAPTER XVII. 

Island of Lifiika — ^native meeting — distribution of Bibles, &c. — visit of the 
king — meetmg with the missionaries — native meeting — sail for Tongata- 
^00 — anchor off the settlement at Nukualofa — letter from the Wesleyan 
missionaries — distribution of clothing and medicines — a Kava party — visit 
to the heathen settlement at Mua — restraining influence of the mission- 
aries — native meeting at Nukualofa — letter to the missionaries at the 
Friendly Islands, 269 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

Tongataboo — condition of the heathen natives — meeting with the foreigners 
— visit to a heathen chief— parting interviews with the natives and mis- 
sionaries — sail from the Friendly Islands — New Zealand — anchor in the 
Bay of Islands — natives on board — visit the mission family — native meet- 
ing at Koua-Koua — an aged missionary — desolating effects of intercourse 
with the shippmg, 289 

CHAPTER XIX. 

New Zealand — visit to the mission station at Waimate — wars among the ' 
natives — a fatigumg journey — meeting with the mission families — native 
meeting— meeting with the children — return to the " Henry Freeling" — 
distribution of tracts — native meetings at Korarareka — meeting with the 
missionaries at Paihia — cannibals — address to the missionaries — sail from 
the Bay of Islands — remarks on the character of the New Zealanders — 
Lord Howe's Island — anchor off Sidney — religious engagements there — 
return to England, 305 



EXTRACTS 

FROM THE LETTERS, JOURNAL, &c. 



CHAPTER I. 

Introductory remarks — sails from the Thames — detention at the Isle of Wight— change of 
Captain — farewell Letter — final departure — passage to Rio de Janeiro — a suspicious sail — 
arrival at Rio de Janeiro — detention at Quarantine — landing— religious engagements — 
Slavery. 

Our dear friend, Daniel Wheeler, of Shoosharry, near Peters- 
burg, in Russia, having for a considerable time past felt his mind 
strongly attracted, in the love of the Gospel, tow^ards the inhabit- 
ants of some of the islands in the Pacific Ocean, of New South 
Wales, and Van Diemen's Land ; and believing the time had arrived 
that he must surrender himself to the service, spread his con- 
cern before Balby monthly-meeting, in Yorkshire, of which he is a 
member, the quarterly-meeting of York, and the morning-meeting 
of ministers and elders in London ; in all which meetings much 
unity and sympathy were felt and expressed with our dear friend, 
as appears by the certificates granted to him by the said meetings, 
bearing date respectively the 20th of ninth month, the 26th of ninth 
month, and the 14th of eleventh month, 1832. 

The Committee of the Meeting for Sufferings appointed to for- 
ward the object, devoted much time and attention to the subject, 
frequently met, consulted several persons likely to give accurate 
information as to the best mode of conveyance, and after very ma- 
ture deliberation, came at length to the conclusion, as recommended 
by those whose local knowledge enabled them to form a correct 
judgment, to purchase a small vessel for the purpose, not only as 
the most suitable, but probably, in the end, the least expensive; 
particularly as the prospect of Daniel Wheeler was, to proceed 
from island to island. 

About this time an opportunity occurred of purchasing, on rea- 
sonable terms, the " Henry Freeling," lately a Post-Office packet, 
of 101 tons register. A number of Friends generously came for- 
ward, not only to pay for the vessel, but at a considerable expense, 
to prepare her for the voyage. This offer the Committee grate- 
fully accepted. 

Charles Wheeler, son of Daniel Wheeler, believing it his duty 
to offer himself as a companion to his father, provided the Com- 
mittee should approve thereof, wrote a letter to that effect, dated 
Shoosharry Farm, 2nd of sixth month, 1833, in which he says, 
" Though by no means unconscious of my incapacity to act in a 

2 



10 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

concern of such importance, and however inexpedient in the eye 
of mere reason such a step may be in a temporal point of view, 
I cannot omit offering my assistance in any way which shall be 
deemed best to promote the object, allowing that it shall be ulti- 
mately deemed proper. Nature, as might be expected, shrinks from 
a step which involves such important consequences, and which in 
itself, simply considered, is by no means such as I should have 
chosen ; yet my only wish in the case is, I trust, to act faithfully 
the part designed for me by that gracious Being who has an un- 
doubted right to dispose of His creatures according to the good 
pleasure of His will ; and keeping my obligation to do so in view, 
I do not see how I can do other than make the offer which this is 
intended to convey." 

The Committee, after due deliberation thereon, believed it right 
to accept him in that capacity, to which the Meeting for Sufferings 
agreed, and Balby monthly-meeting signified its concurrence there- 
in by granting him its certificate. 

The necessary arrangements having been completed, they sailed 
from the River Thames on the 13th of eleventh month, 1833, and 
were proceeding down the English Channel, when on the 21st they 
were overtaken by a heavy storm, which induced them to seek for 
shelter near the Isle of Wight. On the evening of that day Daniel 
Wheeler writes thus to a friend. 

" Mother-hank, 21st of eleventh mo., 1833, 6 o^clock, A. M. 

" Some ships that sailed with us have already reached the Mo- 
ther-bank, but it is thought that many will have to return to the 
Downs, as the weather is now becoming very stormy, and the 
wind directly opposed to our course down the Channel. It is in- 
deed a great favour to be enabled to find a place of safety, and 
demands our humble gratitude and thankfulness to Him who pre- 
sides over every storm, whether of outwardly contending elements, 
or spiritual conflicts; and though the present dispensation may 
seem to impede our progress towards Cape Horn, yet it is my be- 
lief, and I am comforted in it, that all will be well at last, because 
ordered by Him, in whose will I desire to rest, and in whose ten- 
der mercy I trust." 

On the 31st of twelfth month, he writes, "In two days more we 
shall have been six weeks hereabouts, and I am sometimes ready 
to think our dear friends will be weary of hearing again and again 
that we are still buffetted by adverse gales at the Mother-bank ; but 
the will of the Lord must be done ; and I endeavour to wait pa- 
tiently to see what He will be pleased to do for His great name's 
sake ; for He knows my downsitting and my uprising, and under- 
standeth my thoughts afar off; and that the sole cause of my being 
here, is no other, than that I may be found coming up in the path 
of obedience to what I believe to be required of me ; and there- 



DANIEL WHEELER. 11 

fore the consciousness of not being here in my own creaturely 
will and activity, reconciles me to all the turnings and overturn- 
ings of His holy hand; and that He will continue to bear me 
up, is my humble prayer, until He shall be pleased to say, ' It is 
enough.' " 

During the detention of the vessel, it appeared that advantage 
would arise from a change being made in the person who had the 
charge of her ; and whilst the Committee were looking out for a 
more suitable one to supply his place, Daniel Wheeler thus writes, 
under date of 15th of second month, 1834. 

" In treating with a person to take the command of our vessel, 
there are many stipulations which ought to be made and insisted 
upon, besides nautical skill and other qualifications. In the first 
place, it should be understood by the person in treaty for the sta- 
tion, that we are a temperance vessel; — secondly, that the crew 
are regularly assembled in the cabin twice on every first-day, for 
devotional purposes, and also that the Scriptures are read every 
morning and evening in the cabin on other days, when both the 
captain and mate are expected to (and now do) attend ; thirdly, 
that as much as practicable, all unnecessary work is dispensed 
with, as regards the sailors, on the first-day of the week, to aflTord 
them a portion of time for themselves : these things ought, I think, 
to be thoroughly understood in the outset, so that nothing unplea- 
sant may afterwards occur, when perhaps it would be too late to 
make them obligatory and bring about their establishment. My 
motive for mentioning these particulars, is not to make the way 
more difficult for my dear friends, but in order to save both time 
and trouble, and perhaps prevent much disappointment and uneasi- 
ness in future." 

Owing to a succession of contrary winds and boisterous wea- 
ther, which is very unusual for such a length of time, their vessel, 
with many others, was detained until the 15th of the third month, 
1834, when they set sail. On the 14th, Daniel Wheeler writes — 
" It is more than three months since I had my foot on the shore ; 
but if I had not persisted in remaining on board, I should not have 
been in possession of the true character of our seamen, nor of 
every minutia of the state and condition of our vessel. We have 
put her in the best trim which we are capable of doing, and must 
rely on One who is almighty to help, and if He is but with us, we 
shall have nothing to fear." " Good indeed," he adds, " has it been 
for me to be here, and true it is also, that suflferings and tribu- 
lations have only been permitted in boundless mercy to draw me 
nearer and nearer to the bosom of my Lord, the only, but never- 
failing source of consolation, in every time of trial and distress ; 
however dark the hour of conflict, the entrance of His word is 
light and life." He further observes, that " the present great ob- 
ject of his life, the service before him, revives at seasons with in- 
creasing and encouraging brightness to his view." 



12 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

The same day, (being that previous to their sailing,) Daniel 
Wheeler addressed a farewell letter to the Committee, as follows : 

" Henry Freeling, Mother -hanTe^ \Atli of third mo., 1834. 

" Upon reference I find that it is now considerably more than 
three months since I began a letter for the information of my dear 
friends, when at that time anticipating that ere long we should be 
permitted to direct our course across the trackless ocean to the 
Southern hemisphere ; but I had not completed more than half a 
sheet of paper, when the progress of my pen was arrested, by cir- 
cumstances, wjiich have prevented any further addition being made 
until this day, when the way now seems to open for resuming the 
subject — our departure being at hand. 

" Among the many multiplied mercies and blessings which un- 
ceasingly flow from the bounteous and compassionate hand of 
Him, who ' crowneth the year with his goodness,' and ' satisfieth 
the desire of every living thing,' I feel bound to acknowledge with 
humble thankfulness and admiration, our long detention on these 
shores. Notwithstanding there have been many gloomy days, and 
days of darkness, ' as the morning spread upon the mountains,' 
and many long and dreary winter nights to pass through, when 
the raging storm has again and again whitened with foam the sur- 
face of the agitated deep around us ; and not only the strife of 
elements to witness without, but a conflicting and spiritual strife 
within, ' tossed with tempest and not comforted ;' yet how unspeak- 
ably great the faithfulness of our good and gracious Lord God ! 

* His compassions fail not,' but have been, and still continue to be, 

* new every morning,' as the returning day ; for in moments of 
greatest conflict and trial there has been something permitted, 
like the * bow in the cloud,' for the poor mind to look at, to ani- 
mate, and cheer, and strengthen with hardness to endure and 
stand firm. 

" But, although moon after moon hath waned, and faith and pa- 
tience have been beset as on the right hand and on the left, and 
the afflictions of the Gospel have at times been permitted to 
abound, yet to the glory and honour, and praise of Him, (whose 
name ever excellent and adorable, shall be great among the na- 
tions, from the rising of the sun to the going down of the same,) 
the consolations of the Gospel have also abounded, in a de- 
gree of the fulness of that heavenly blessing which makes truly 
rich, and whereunto no sorrow is added : when faith hath been 
mercifully strengthened, and patience renewed under the tribula- 
tions of the day. And notwithstanding an untrodden path has 
been my portion, yet after all, though weakness and fear are my 
constant companions by the way, safety and peace have been 
hitherto found. I would therefore encourage all my beloved 
friends to keep near to their heavenly Teacher and Leader, who, 



DANIEL WHEELER. 13 

if faithfully followed, will not only conduct their steppings to a 
hair's breadth, but will preserve and keep the mind in calmness 
and serenity, securely, as in a pavilion, <from the strife of 
tongues.' 

" In addition to the marvellous loving kindness I have thus en- 
deavoured to portray, many other mercies and blessings have been 
showered upon our heads, during the apparently long and unac- 
countable detention of our little bark upon our own coasts ; these 
I have often had to number with grateful sensations, when the 
light has shone brightly, and manifested clearly to my finite un- 
derstanding how much we should have missed, if our progress had 
not thus been arrested. So that with myself, instead of this delay 
having been productive of regret, or the cause of letting in fear or 
doubt, to stagger or depress my tribulated mind, I do, my dear 
friends, hail it with gratitude and thankfulness, as the gracious and 
compassionate deaUng of my Lord and Master, not only as a time 
of Divine favour and condescension, but as an earnest of his love 
and mercy for our encouragement, instruction, and future benefit, 
graciously vouchsafed — a time of preparation for the important 
work before us, and of weaning, from every dependence and guid- 
ance which are not of Him, to strengthen our confidence, and put 
our whole trust in his power, to help and deliver out of every dis- 
tress, who not only commands the storm, but at whose rebuke 
the mountain billows cease to undulate, and lo ! ' there is a great 
calm.' 

" Within the last two or three days the prospect of liberation 
has begun to dawn with clearness ; but I trust, that if even a fur- 
ther detention should be meted out to us, either here or in some 
other port, the same resignation to the Divine will, will be vouch- 
safed : for although I have for more than two years past, felt anx- 
ious to move forward in a work, which has yet to begin when the 
decay of nature is visible, and the shadows of the evening pro- 
claim, as they lengthen around me, the steady decline of life's 
setting sun, yet I have been frequently comforted by a renewed 
evidence that we have not yet been here one day too long. 

*' It will, I feel assured, afford my dear friends much satisfaction 
to know that the crew of the vessel, notwithstanding the frequent 
though unavoidable communication with the neighbouring shore 
for so great a length of time, have given no cause for uneasiness 
by improper conduct, and have at all times behaved, with scarcely 
an exception, in an orderly and agreeable manner, and the captain 
now provided for us seems to be judiciously selected, and the man 
who, beyond all expectation, is admirably adapted to aid and assist 
by example and experience in the accomplishment of the import- 
ant object before us ; so that I hope what has passed, and what may 
yet be in store for us to come, will be found and acknowledged to be 
among the * all things that work together for good.' I must not omit 
adding, that the solemn covering frequently witnessed mercifully 

2* 



14 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

to prevail and preside over us, when sitting together before the 
Lord, is worthy, with humble gratitude to be commemorated, as 
the strongest and most indubitable evidence for our encourage- 
ment, that at seasons ' He is with us of a truth.' 

" As it is now a period of the year when ships seldom sail to 
those parts to which we are destined, whether we proceed by the 
Cape of Good Hope, which is most probable, or by Cape Horn, in 
either case a wintry season awaits us; but my trust is in the Lord, 
not doubting but that we shall have the privilege of the prayers of 
the faithful for our preservation ; and though conscious of our own 
weakness and utter un worthiness, and often under a feeling of be- 
ing less than the least of all my dear brethren and sisters that are 
alive in the unchangeable Truth, yet I think I can say that these 
things trouble me not, nor move me, neither count I my life dear 
unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the 
ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus to testify the 
Gospel of that grace, ' which bringeth salvation, and hath appeared 
unto all men,' teaching all, that so from the uttermost parts of the 
earth songs of praise may be heard, and the grateful tribute of 
* thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift,' may resound to his 
glory ; for it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, 
but of God that showeth mercy; *it is not by might nor by power, 
but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of Hosts.' 

" And now, whilst my heart is bearing towards the * Isles afar 
off,' the same constraining love, which wrought the willingness to 
leave all for my gracious Lord's sake and His Gospel's, extends its 
binding influence to all my dear brethren and sisters, of every age 
and of every class, wherever situated, and however circumstanced; 
desiring in tender and affectionate solicitude, that they may be 
found steadfastly following the footsteps of those honourable and 
worthy predecessors in the same religious profession with our- 
selves, who have long since rested from their labours, and whose 
memorial is on high, — who bore the burden and heat of a day of 
deep suffering, in the faithful discharge of their duty for the support 
of those principles, which have been transmitted in their original 
purity and brightness to us. If any should feel sensible of having 
fallen short in this important work, let me in tenderest love encou- 
rage such to be willing to humble themselves under the mighty 
hand of God, even to the state of little children, and turn inward 
to the pure, unflattering witness which cannot deceive nor be de- 
ceived ; to be willing to enter into a diligent and heart-felt search, 
and patiently and impartially examine how far those indispensable 
conditions are submitted to on their part, w^ithout which none can 
be followers of the meek and lowly Jesus. Where is that self- 
denial and the daily cross He first enjoined ? Are we denying our- 
selves those gratifications of time and sense which cherish and 
keep alive in us the evil propensities of fallen nature, which sepa- 
rate man from his Maker, and like * the little foxes spoil the tender 



DANIEL WHEELER. 15 

vines,' designed in richest mercy to bud, blossom, and bring forth 
fruit, lastingly to remain to the praise and glory of the great Hus- 
bandman? but without faithfulness, there will be no fruitfulness. 
It is not giving up or forsaking this or that little thing, which to 
part with is httle or no sacrifice or privation, that will suffice ; a 
full surrender of the whole will in all things, must be made to 
Him, whose sovereign right is to rule and reign in our hearts ; — 
and let none plead for disobedience in these httle things on the 
ground of their being such, for if such they really are, they are 
the more easily dispensed with, and not worth retaining ; and a 
tenacity in wishing to preserve them, assuredly indicates that they 
have more place in our affections than perhaps we are aware of: 
' He that loveth father or mother more than me, is not worthy of 
me; and he that loveth son or daughter more than me, is not wor- 
thy of me ; and he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after 
me, is not worthy of me.' 

" And now, my dear brethren and sisters, ' May the God of 
peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great 
Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting cove- 
nant, keep all your hearts and minds, make you perfect in every 
good w^ork to do his will, working in you that which is well pleas- 
ing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever 
and ever.' 

" In the love of the everlasting Gospel, accept this expression 
of farewell, from your affectionate friend and brother, 

" Daniel Wheeler. 

" loth of third mo., at Sea, and clear of 
the Needle Rocks, all welV 

Some particulars of the passage of our dear friends to Rio de 
Janeiro will appear in the following extracts from Daniel Wheel- 
er's letters. 

In a letter, dated 2nd of fourth month, 1834, he writes: "After 
despatching our letters by the pilot on the 15th ult., we made sail 
into the offing at half-past four P. M., and stretching from under 
the shelter of the Isle of Wight, soon partook of a strong and 
favourable breeze ; great progress was made during the night ; 
next morning brought an increase of wind along with it. From 
the state of the weather and the harassed situation of the crew, 
and other circumstances, although it was the first day of the week, 
we were compelled to give up the idea of assembling together in 
the cabin, and to content ourselves with reading the Holy Scrip- 
tures twice in the course of the day with the captain and mate. 
At five o'clock, P. M. we were abreast of the Lizard light-houses 
on the Cornish coast, from whence our final departure was taken: 
as the night approached, the land was lost sight of, and the wind 
being strong and fair, we launched rapidly away from the mouth 
of the British Channel. On second-day morning, the 17th, the wind 



16 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

veered more to the southward, and considerably increasing, soon 
raised a heavy sea, which occasioned one side of the vessel to be 
frequently buried under water. 

" From the 17th to the 20th there was little variation in the 
weather. The latter being fifth-day, my dear Charles and myself 
sat down together to wait upon the Lord, our usual meeting-day 
when at home ; but although we were scarcely able to retain our 
seats from the motion of the ship, yet I humbly trust we were 
favoured, poor outcasts as we seemed to be, to look towards his 
temple, to fear Him, and think upon his name. Notwithstanding 
the weather became more and more tempestuous, yet the fair wind 
never once forsook us, but on the 22nd the sea ran so high, that 
it was dangerous for any one to be upon deck, and Captain Keen 
began to fear that we should be under the necessity of turning the 
head of the vessel towards the sea and wind ; accordingly the 
storm canvass was prepared in readiness to use when it should 
become no longer safe to run before a sea, which now followed in 
mountainous succession, rising to an alarming height, and threat- 
ening at times to overwhelm us altogether. In the night of the 
22nd there was some abatement of the wind and the sea, though 
still very heavy, but running true in more unbroken swells we yet 
ventured to run before it. 23rd. From the boisterous state of the 
weather, although ^r5^<iay had again revolved, we were prevented 
from collecting the crew for devotional purposes, and could only 
read some portions of Scripture as before. By this time our little 
vessel had been pretty roughly handled- and tried, and had given 
full proof of her capability. The captain acknowledged that she 
had done wonders, and had greatly surpassed the idea he had 
formed of her, and the crew expressed their satisfaction to a man ; 
and I saw myself no cause to alter the favourable opinion that I 
had constantly entertained from the first sight of her. We are all 
aware of the advantage which would have resulted had she been 
large enough to have carried a greater supply of fresh water and 
coals, without being so deeply buried in the water, which contin- 
ually exposes us to the drench of the sea, even in what may be 
termed favourable weather, but in rough we are frequently debar- 
red from all exercise upon the deck in fresh air, to avoid the risk 
of being injured from the wash of the sea. I feel, however, grate- 
ful and thankful in my present allotment, and for the accommoda- 
tion thus rendered by my dear friends, humbly trusting that we 
shall be sustained through all to declare the mighty acts of the 
Lord, and to show forth his praise in the presence of a people who 
have not heard his fame, nor seen his glory, neither conceived the 
majesty of his kingdom within, of ' righteousness, and peace, and 
joy in the Holy Ghost,' which stands mercifully revealed in the 
hearts of those, who are concerned above all things to seek first 
this * heavenly kingdom,' and to ' believe therein, to the saving of 
the soul.' 



DANIEL WHEELER, 17 

" On the 24th there was an evident change in the temperature 
of the atmosphere ; the sun shone brightly, and its warmth glad- 
dened our hearts, as we sat on a small space near the stern of the 
vessel, which had been preserved pretty free from the spray of the 
sea ; the wind, although still favourable, had lessened ; the white- 
topped billows had considerably diminished, and our deck was this 
day more free from water rushing from side to side, than had been 
the case for more than a week past; some floating turtle were seen 
near the ship, and things altogether around us began to wear a 
brightening aspect ; but what tended most to enliven and make all 
things smile, was the marvellous condescension of my dear Lord 
and Master, who, in the greatness of his love, was graciously 
pleased to open my spiritual understanding, and permit me to be- 
hold, to a certain extent, the nature of the service upon which I 
should have to enter in some places, where my lot may be cast. 

"Greatly do I desire for myself, and all my dear friends, that we 
may be brought more and more into such a state as to be fit and 
able to bear further portions of the many things which our great 
and heavenly Teacher, in his wondrous and never-erring counsel, 
has to say to such as fear, and love, and follow Him in the great 
work of regeneration : ' I have many things to say unto you, but 
ye cannot bear them now ;' and if we were but sufficiently willing 
to hearken to his voice, he would still, I am persuaded, not only 
have many things to say unto us as individuals, but unto the church 
also, by that * Holy Spirit which searcheth all things, yea, the deep 
things of God.' Then may all our hearts be so cleansed and puri- 
fied through the efficacy of his grace, as to be prepared to receive 
the promised and ever abiding Comforter, who * will take of the 
things of Christ, and show them unto us,' yea, * He will show us 
things to come.' " 

Under date of 7th of fourth month, the following remark oc- 
curs : " The effect of being transported in about three weeks from 
the cold winds, which blew at the Mother-bank, to the burning 
heat of the sun near the equator, can only be estimated by those 
who have witnessed such a change in a vessel as small as the 
* Henry Freeling :' the night-air seems to come off the heated de- 
serts of Africa charged with dampness most unwholesome." 

Under date of 21st of fourth month, he observes, "After having 
been nearly twelve whole days and nights within five degrees of 
the equator, we were favoured to get to the southward of it at an 
early hour this morning." 

The following quotation from the Journal, under date of 5th of 
fifth month, will explain the cause of his visiting Rio de Janerio. 
"Although hitherto favoured with a passage, such as no person on 
board had ever before witnessed for favourable winds and weather, 
yet it now became considerably lengthened out from the unusual 
prevalence of calms and light airs of wind, not only during our 
being in the neighbourhood of the equinoctial line, but at a later 



18 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

period. This circumstance seemed to point out at once the neces- 
sity of our abandoning the intention of aiming at the Cape of Good 
Hope for a supply of water, &c., on account of the advanced state 
of the winter season, and the probability of not being able to reach 
that place before those heavy gales set in, that render its approach 
very difficult : it was also remembered, that if we once made the 
attempt, and therein failed, there was then no alternative left to us, 
but that we must continue to hover about until we did accomplish 
that object, let the weather be ever so tempestuous, as we must 
undoubtedly perish at sea for want of water before we could pos- 
sibly reach Van Diemen's Land, a distance from the Cape of Good 
Hope of more than 6200 miles, and from our present situation to 
the Cape full 3500 miles. After deliberately weighing these con- 
siderations, it seemed expedient (however reluctant to our wishes 
to visit a place where superstition and slavery appear with open 
face) to bear down towards the South American continent for Rio 
de Janeiro, and thence procure the needful supplies, if permitted 
to reach it in safety." 

Fifth month 10th. " This afternoon at sun-set a brig was seen 
upon our lee quarter, steering the same course as ourselves, per- 
haps three or four miles distant from us ; she was soon covered 
up by the night, and no more thought of. Being upon the deck, (an 
usual practice with me the fore-part of the night,) between nine 
and ten o'clock, the carpenter suddenly exclaimed, * Why here's 
the brig !' Upon looking, I saw the vessel at a considerable dis- 
tance from us, but soon perceived by the stars, that she was ap- 
proaching with uncommon rapidity in a most suspicious direction, 
as if intending to cross our fore-foot, and cut us off. We watched 
her very narrowly, expecting every minute she would open a fire 
upon us. She continued to haul directly across our head at a very 
short distance from us, but we steadily kept our course, without 
the slightest variation, or manifesting any symptoms of hurry or 
fear, or noticing her in any way. I felt our situation to be at the 
moment very critical, knowing that these latitudes, and particu- 
larly this neighbourhood, are exceedingly infested with piratical 
vessels, which find shelter in the Brazilian harbours as traders, 
where they fit out occasionally for Africa with merchandize, and 
return with whole cargoes of oppressed Africans for sale, landing 
them on private parts of the Brazil coast ; at other times they act 
as pirates, when it suits their convenience, or are in want of stores. 
This was indeed a trial of faith of no common kind ; but my mind 
was stayed upon the Lord, feeling a good degree of resignation to 
his Holy will, whatever might be permitted to befall us. After 
watching the vessel with anxiety for some time, she passed away, 
without making the least apparent stop. On considering the 
matter, we concluded, that when she saw us at sun-set, we were 
taken for a Dutch galiot, that might fall an easy prey to her ; but 
when she came up to us in the dark, near enough to examine with 



DANIEL WHEELER. 19 

telescopes the real shape of our vessel, we were found of such a 
suspicious build of a non-descript kind, not seen before in these 
seas, as might lead to the supposition that we were intended as a 
decoy, and though very tanne looking without, yet perhaps fiery 
hot within, if meddled with. From the position she took, there is 
no doubt she expected to throw us into confusion by firing into us, 
and then, in the midst of it, to have boarded us on the weather 
side. There was not the least glimmer of light to be seen on board 
of her, whilst the ' Henry Freeling' was well lighted up in both 
cabins and the binnacle, and the reflection from our sky-lights was 
well calculated to puzzle and intimidate the crew, as this circum- 
stance would be sufficient at once to show that we were not a 
common merchant vessel. The captain, cook, steward, Charles 
and myself, were all additional persons upon the deck, besides the 
regular watch, which would give an idea of strength to them, un- 
usual in so small a vessel as the * Henry Freeling.' Every thing 
was conducted with great quietness, not the least hint given to any 
one on board to prepare for an attack : the watch below was not 
even informed of what seemed to await us upon the deck. The 
Lord only was our deliverer, for she was restrained from laying 
a hand upon our little bark ; and to Him alone our preservation is 
with gratitude and thankfulness ascribed. The crews of these 
pirates consist in general of desperadoes of all nations, who fre- 
quently commit the most dreadful atrocities on board the ships 
they seize, in putting to death all those who oppose their boarding 
them; they are mostly crowded with men amply sufficient in num- 
ber to take and destroy some of our large armed traders. This 
vessel was doubtless a selected one for the work : we thought she 
actually sailed twice as fast as the ' Henry Freeling,' which is far 
from being a slow vessel. We saw no more of her, but after mid- 
night I partook of some refreshing sleep." 

It may be here observed, that Daniel Wheeler mentions in a let- 
ter from Rio, dated the 27th of fifth month, that during their stay 
there, an American captain, who had seen them at a distance at 
sea, going on board, Daniel Wheeler asked him what he thought 
of the " Henry Freeling," as to her appearance when he saw her 
and his own vessel becalmed; [near the equator]: his answer was, 
that he did not like the look of her, and was glad when he could 
get farther away from her. Daniel Wheeler adds, " There is little 
doubt but we were taken for a pirate by all that saw us, which 
perhaps might be of advantage, except that it deprived us entirely 
of sending letters by any homeward-bound ships, as none would 
have liked to come near, to ascertain what we really were." 

Fifth month 11th. First-day. "The weather being beautifully 
fine, the crew were collected upon deck twice in the course of the 
day, for devotional purposes, &c. 12th. Fine weather, with a 
fair wind all the day, and a prodigious swell of the sea from the 
south-east. The swell was so immensely large, that we concluded 



20 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

that the summit of one wave was at least half a mile distant from 
that of another. 

" A little before five o'clock, P. M. land was proclaimed by the 
man at the mast-head ; shortly after we were able to behold from 
the deck the lofty cliff of Cape Frio on the coast of Brazil, about 
sixty miles east of Rio de Janerio, just in the position, and about 
the distance it was calculated to be, from the true time of our 
chronometers, the lunar observations, and the dead reckoning, all 
combining to prove the accurate navigation of the vessel, and 
nautical skill we possess on board of her. Although we seem to 
be destitute of all interest upon this coast, beyond that of the wel- 
fare of mankind the world over, yet, after being fifty-eight days 
from England, during fifty-seven of which, nothing was to be seen 
but water and sky; without having spoken another vessel, or even 
seen more than six, the sight of Cape Frio was cheering and ani- 
mating, and raised in my heart a tribute of thanksgiving and praise 
to our never-failing Helper, who hath in mercy sustained us in per- 
fect safety, across such a prodigious expanse of mighty waters." 

The next day they entered the Rio de Janerio, as appears by the 
following extract. 

Fifth month 13th. " The wind continuing favourable, although 
not very brisk, the whole of the night, considerable progress was 
made to the westward ; but when the day broke it was discovered 
that a strong current had swept us farther off the land several 
miles than was the case the preceding evening. Every possible 
exertion was made throughout the day, and the different head- 
lands and rocky islands upon the coast were so far recognized as 
to enable us to steer with confidence towards the mouth of the 
river, which we entered about three o'clock, P. M. We had in- 
tended to run up the harbour till nearly opposite the town before 
anchoring; but soon after passing the fort of Santa Cruz, from 
which several questions were asked, we were compelled immedi- 
ately to anchor, by an order from the guard-vessel. In a short 
time after this a bill of health was demanded, and a certificate, 
signed by the Brazilian Consul in London, but as neither of these 
could be produced, the vessel was at once declared under quaran- 
tine, and as it was in vain to remonstrate, quiet submission was 
all that was left in our power, which was manifested by our im- 
mediately hoisting a yellow flag. Although somewhat prepared 
for this event, I was a little disappointed, having anticipated that 
we should be once more enabled to stretch our limbs upon the 
shore, an exercise from which we had long been debarred. For 
my own part, I had not landed or been absent from the vessel for 
upwards of six months, except the short interval of enjoyment in 
the company of our dear friends of the Committee from the Meet- 
ing for Sufferings at the town of Ryde, in the Isle of Wight ; but 
I trust, whether we are permitted to land or not on these shores, 
that the same Almighty Arm of strength will continue to uphold 



DANIEL WHEELER. 21 

US, which has been hitherto so marvellously stretched out for our 
support. For although we have been fifty-nine days from the 
Mother-bank, out of that time twenty-one have been expended in 
calms and light breezes, fifteen of which occurred, while near the 
equinoctial line, without intermission. But the most remarkable 
thing is, that we have never made one tack, from the time of leav- 
ing England to our anchoring here this day, notwithstanding we 
have passed over more than 50 degrees of north latitude, and 23 
degrees of south, at sixty miles to a degree, with upwards of 43 
degrees west longitude. Would it then be accounted presumption 
in any one to hope that He, under whose constraining influence, 
in love unutterable, this voyage was prompted, will be graciously 
pleased to prosper it, from the beginning to the end, and cause it 
ultimately to tend to the advancement of the Redeemer's kingdom, 
in the hearts of some of the benighted sons and daughters of the 
human family, although such blessed effects may never be per- 
mitted to come to our knowledge or to gladden our hearts." After 
performing a quarantine of five days, Daniel Wheeler thus writes 
under date of 24th of fifth month : " To day several hours have 
been spent on shore by Charles and myself, for the purpose of ex- 
pediting the shipment of the needful supplies, in the course of which 
we had much satisfaction in unexpectedly becoming acquainted 
with two serious persons, both natives of Scotland, at the house of 
James Thornton, a relation of our kind friend WiUiam Tindall, 
whose family is one of the solitary few in this place who are de- 
siring to do the thing that is right. 

" Although we were amply provided with introductory letters, 
&c., to all the ports of importance throughout the whole voyage, 
viz. the Cape of Good Hope, the Derwent or Hobart Town, 
New South Wales, Lima, Valparaiso, Coquimbo, and others, be- 
sides letters from the London Missionary Society's Secretary, 
William Ellis, to that Society's correspondents, upon many islands 
of the Pacific Ocean, where Missionaries are established ; yet at 
last we were in some measure compelled to enter a port for which, 
with all our contrivance, we do not possess a single document, and 
are even unfurnished with a bill of health. After considering the 
subject, I told my son Charles that I thought our coming here 
would not be without answering some good end, though at the 
time there might be nothing in view, nor had any thing occurred 
to give rise to such a supposition ; but on our meeting with the 
two serious persons above mentioned, an opening for some ser- 
vice presented to my mind, and from the conversation which took 
place while we were together, it seemed pretty clear to me that 
we should see each other again. Before we parted, I was in- 
vited to attend a meeting, which is held by the well-disposed Eng- 
lish of this town Qwexy first-day evening at seven o'clock, which 
by them is termed a prayer-meeting. I told them, after acknow- 
ledging their kindness, that I could not give an answer at the mo- 

3 



22 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

ment, that I must wait to see what to-morrow would bring forth, 
and that if the way opened for me to accept the invitation, I would 
take care to be in time. Although it was very evident to me that 
it was no light thing for a member of our religious Society to at- 
tend such a meeting, and faithfully support the different peculiar 
testimonies given us as a people to bear, and which to some might 
appear like opposition to, or sHghting the forms and ceremonies 
which they have been trained, perhaps from early youth, to the 
daily practice of, yet it did not seem a time for me to shrink or 
hold back on that account : leaving the matter altogether unfixed, 
we returned to our vessel for the night. 

Fifth month 25th. "Both forenoon and afternoon the crew 
were assembled in the usual manner. At both seasons a quiet 
feeling seemed to prevail. In the course of the day, the prospect 
of attending the meeting on shore, being as a burden upon my 
shoulders, increasing as the day wore away, and beheving that I 
should not be clear without giving up to it, accompanied by 
Charles, I set forward, and reaching the shore just as it became 
dark, repaired immediately to the house of James Thornton, where 
the meeting was to be held ; and as soon as some of the principal 
persons arrived, I thought there would be a propriety in speaking 
to them privately before the meeting commenced. Taking such 
aside, I told them, that although we might have the same great 
and important object in view, yet it was probable that we might 
not all see exactly ahke, and therefore I should prefer their going on 
with their meeting as usual ; and if, after it was over, we might be 
allowed to come in and sit down amongst them, it would perhaps 
be the most agreeable on both sides : at the same time, I candidly 
stated, that we could not engage to kneel when they did, neither 
was it our practice to sing: and that we were desirous to offend 
neither Jew, nor Gentile, nor the Church." 

After relating some further conversation that passed, Daniel 
Wheeler adds : "At length it was concluded that they should pro- 
ceed as usual, and that we should sit by and act as was most easy 
to ourselves. Accordingly, at the time appointed, the company 
repaired to another room prepared for the occasion, where some 
others were seated in readiness ; and amongst these, several young 
black people that understood English. It was previously arranged, 
that when the meeting was quite over, the certificate furnished me 
by my dear friends of the Morning Meeting in London, should be 
read, in order to account to all present for the appearance of 
strangers, and to open the way for any communication on my 
part that might arise." 

It may be here proper to observe, that although we have reason 
to believe that our dear friend Daniel Wheeler is one of those who 
would be very cautious how he wrote of his own religious services 
under other circumstances, yet being so far separated from his 
friends, he has thought it right to furnish them with the following 



DANIEL WHEELER. 23 

minute particulars, which we cannot doubt will be interesting and 
satisfactory to Friends. After describing the manner of conduct- 
ing their worship, he continues : 

"We retained our seats the whole time, and my mind being 
under considerable weight of exercise, it was a relief to be left, as 
it were, in the quiet. The meeting being concluded, James Thorn- 
ton read the Morning Meeting's certificate, and after commenting 
awhile on its contents, and the privilege of the company of stran- 
gers, we were favoured to drop into solemn silence, which contin- 
ued until interrupted by my having to state, that it had never been 
contemplated before leaving England, that w^e should have to touch 
at a place where bigotry, superstition and slavery stalk unmasked 
with open face, particularly as it had not come within the range 
of the prospect before us. I acknowledged having mentioned to 
my son some days ago, that I thought our coming here must be 
for some object unknown to us at that time ; but since we had been 
sitting together, I had found that the Lord had a seed, even in this 
place, that fear him Him, and think upon his name, and unto these 
in an especial manner, my heart was enlarged in the love of the 
everlasting Gospel, that love which would gather all mankind into 
the heavenly garner of rest and peace. I had not proceeded much 
farther in the expression of a desire that their ' faith might not 
stand in the wisdom of man, but in the power of God,' before I 
had to turn their attention to the solemnity so evidently spreading 
over us, as the crown and diadem of every rightly gathered reli- 
gious assembly ; a feeling not at our command, nor in the power 
of man to produce, and which could only be felt, when the Great 
Head of the Church fulfils his gracious promise, ' where tv^^o or 
three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst 
of them.' After this the way seemed fully opened, and a door of 
entrance also for the doctrines of the Gospel in plainness and free- 
dom. I had particularly to speak of the nature of true spiritual 
worship, and waiting upon the Lord, the necessity of knowing for 
ourselves the great work of regeneration to be going on — the true 
faith of the Gospel as it is in Jesus, the Author and Finisher 
thereof, which worketh by love, purifieth the heart, and giveth vic- 
tory over death, hell, and the grave — stating that I had nothing 
new to offer — that ' other foundation can no man lay, than that is 
laid, which is Jesus Christ' — reviving the terms prescribed by Him- 
self to those who would become his disciples and followers : — the 
' poor in spirit,' were reminded, that to them the blessing apper- 
tains, and the kingdom belongs : — the woful sentence to the unpro- 
fitable servant, was contrasted with that of the faithful occupier of 
his Lord's talents ; the beauty, purity, and spirituality of the true 
Gospel Church, and the necessity and practicability of becoming 
members thereof, while here on earth, was held up to view. Con- 
siderable brokenness appeared in some individuals, and I believe it 
may be said, that Truth rose into dominion, and reigned over all. 



24 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

For my own part, I never recollect being more sensible of such 
continued weakness and fear from the beginning to the end — the 
creature was laid low, and I trust only desirous that all praise 
might be ascribed to Him to whom it belongs for ever. This was 
indeed a precious opportunity, and although not obtained without 
ploughing a furrow six or seven thousand miles in length, across 
the unstable surface of the ocean, yet the love, joy, and peace that 
remain, are a rich and ample reward. We reached our little bark 
in perfect safety, with hearts full of comfort, pretty soon after ten 
o'clock at night, while a torrent of rain was falling : the boat was 
manned by the natives of Africa, now held in cruel bondage in 
this place; they are, however, treated by us as fellow-men and 
brethren, and truly my heart abounds with love towards these poor 
creatures, not easily to be described." 

Fifth month 27th. " At four o'clock, P. M., I went on shore 
with my son Charles to procure a few needful articles for the hot 
weather, which in England had been omitted. Soon after reaching 
the house of James Thornton, we were invited to meet some of the 
individuals with whom the meeting had been held the preceding 
first-day evening, for the purpose (as stated) to afford them an op- 
portunity of asking some questions on particular points of Scrip- 
ture doctrine, at the house of one of them. To this there was no 
difficulty in complying on my part, feeling more than usual freedom 
towards these people. 

" After having previously taken what exercise on foot the inter- 
val w^ould afford, we repaired about the time fixed upon to the 
place where we found the master of the house busily employed in 
arranging a number of questions, under different heads, intended 
to be asked, that nothing might be omitted. After informing us 
the plan he had thus proposed to himself, he acknowledged that he 
did not feel satisfied with its adoption, and at once laid it aside." 
One of these individuals, Daniel Wheeler describes, as of an " ar- 
dent and capacious mind, and of a most amiable and benevolent 
disposition, possessing at the same time all the advantages of a 
scholar, acquainted with several languages, and well versed in the 
knowledge of the sacred writings." After relating the particu- 
lars of some interesting conversation on religious subjects, Daniel 
Wheeler adds, " It occurred to me as a suitable opportunity to 
bring forward the subject of the Scriptures being so frequently 
termed by professing Christians, 'The word of God,' that although 
many persons might not be in danger by this practice, of attaching 
more to the letter than belongs to it, yet it was much to be feared 
that its tendency was highly injurious, and opposed to the spirit- 
uality of the Gospel dispensation. I found there was an openness 
to receive this remark, which was not confined to this person alone, 
but extended to another present, and that they had previously felt 
some doubts on this very important point. At last one of them, as 
if at once convinced in his understanding, exclaimed in the words 



DANIEL WHEELER. 25 

of the apostle Peter, * And this is the word which by the Gospel is 
preached unto you.' Several other questions were put to us, which 
I believe were answered satisfactorily to them. I trust that the 
time expended was to some edification, and that the noble cause 
did not suffer, though in the hands of such feeble advocates." 

Daniel Wheeler adds, " One copy of Bates' Doctrines, and a 
pamphlet were thankfully received by an individual of the place, 
who, I am persuaded, will not be disposed to keep them to himself. 
I was in hopes whilst here of having an opportunity of distributing 
part of our stock of Bibles in the Spanish language, but I could 
not find any person wiUing to undertake the risk of their being 
found in his possession. In the course of inquiry on the subject, 
it appeared that a considerable number of copies of the Scriptures 
in the Portuguese language were at one time brought into this 
country, and it is supposed were destroyed, under pretence of 
their being too imperfect a translation to be circulated." On the 
subject of slavery our dear friend thus writes : " We were in- 
formed by respectable authority, that two-thirds of the population 
of the neighbourhood round St. Sebastian, consists of coloured 
people, and that nothing could keep them in such a state of cruel 
and abject slavery, but their having been taken from different 
tribes in Africa, amongst whom a most inveterate enmity has 
constantly existed ; and such a care has industriously been taken 
to keep perpetually alive a spirit of revenge against each other, 
as cannot be destroyed even by slavery itself; this is spoken of 
as a politic measure, lest they should unite and set themselves 
free ; dreadful indeed would be the day to the majority of their 
white masters, should such a thing come to pass, unless controlled 
by a higher power." He further adds, " although our tarriance 
in the Rio de Janeiro was little more than a fortnight, yet many 
of the poor negroes who had been in any manner connected with 
us by employment or otherwise, in the town or city of St. Sebas- 
tian, had become much attached to us ; and some hours after hav- 
ing left the coast, it was fully ascertained that only a very shght 
occurrence had prevented three of these people from being secreted 
on board our vessel." 

Fifth month 28th. " As all our affairs were completely wound 
up, and the way clear for leaving this port, fatigue and the late- 
ness of the hour were unnoticed, more particularly as the retro- 
spect altogether of our visit to this place, as well as the prospect 
of quitting it, could be taken with a peaceful review." 

3* 



26 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 



CHAPTER 11. 

Sail from Brazil — determine to proceed by the Cape of Good Hope — heaAry sea — escape 
from shipwreck — imminent danger — remarkable preservation — continuance of stormy wea- 
ther — lightening the vessel — hurricane — ^lying to— tyfoons — hurricane — tremendous storms 
— land in sight 

After a tempestuous passage from Rio de Janeiro of fifteen 
weeks, except a few hours, our dear friends were permitted to 
arrive in safety at Hobart Town, Van Diemen's Land, on the 10th 
of the ninth month, 1834. 

The following extracts from Daniel Wheeler's letters and Jour- 
nal, will give some idea of the perils they encountered during the 
passage. In a letter accompanying the extracts from his Journal, 
dated Hobart Town, 25th of ninth month, 1834, he writes thus: 

" In my letter from the Mother-bank, my dear friends may have 
observed that it was stated, whether we proceeded by the way of 
the Cape of Good Hope or Cape Horn, a wintry season awaited 
us ; and therefore I was in some degree prepared by anticipation, 
though resigned to whatever might be permitted to overtake us. 
It will be seen by the extracts from my journal now transmitted, 
that we sailed from the coast of Brazil on the 29th of fifth month 
last, pretty soon after which our rough weather commenced." 

Daniel Wheeler ultimately concluded to proceed by the eastern 
passage, as appears by the following extract from his Journal, 
dated 29th of fifth month. "As rounding Cape Horn was my 
first intention, it has at times passed before me, that if, on our 
leaving Rio de Janeiro, the wind should be strong and favourable 
for steering towards it, that I should feel a little difficulty in de- 
ciding which route to aim at, but believe I have felt desirous to be 
guided aright in this particular." 

Sixth month 2nd. " Since leaving the land, the winds have 
been so strongly opposed to our going round Cape Horn, as 
nearly to put that out of sight : to-day we are so far off* the coast 
of South America as to be exposed to the swell of the great South 
Sea, which is no longer kept from us by a point of land which 
forms the projecting Cape; this swell is prodigious, and plainly 
shows the turbulent state of the weather in that quarter, and seems 
like a final settlement, and removal of any thing like a doubt in my 
mind as to our being in the right track at present. After midnight 
the weather became very rough, and the wind inclining more and 
more southerly, rendered our position in sailing very critical. Be- 
fore four o'clock, A. M., two heavy seas broke in upon us, one of 
which stove in a part of the bulwark on the starboard side : hap- 
pily none of the watch on deck were washed overboard. From 
this time things got rapidly worse, and the only alternative now 
left was to bring the vessel to, with her head to the wind and sea, 



DANIEL WHEELER. 27 

under suitable storm-canvass to maintain that position. In addi- 
tion to the great risk attending at all times any circumstance con- 
nected with ' lying to,' it was a position in which we had not yet 
tried the * Henry Freeling.' It was not indeed an every-day oc- 
currence for a small vessel, which we have had hitherto no oppor- 
tunity of proving under more gentle circumstances, to be brought 
round against a sea, which had nothing to control or break the 
range of its sweeping influence between her and the south pole. 
Captain Keen manifested great coolness and ability on the occa- 
sion, and soon after day-break all things were ready to accomplish 
our intended purpose, to effect which, an interval was waited for, 
until the blast should lull a little : and whilst much depended upon 
a timely re-action of the sails, so as to prevent the vessel from 
forcing herself with too great violence into the opposing waves, as 
her head came round towards them, at the same time it was indis- 
pensably needful to keep a sufficient quantity of canvass set, to 
guard against being overtaken and overwhelmed by the mountain 
waves, which in an awful manner were now threatening us 
behind. A few minutes relieved us from all suspense and anxiety, 
and although heavy laden, with our newly recruited and increased 
stock of water, some of which encumbered the deck, yet we had 
the comfort to see the vessel rise in a lively manner to the surface 
of the loftiest billows, before any material quantity of their con- 
tents had time to burst over her. As the wind blew directly from 
an immensity of ice, a change so sudden from the great heat we 
had so recently witnessed, to such a cold penetrating blast, was 
sensibly felt by all on board. 

Sixth month 10th. "Towards evening it again became stormy 
with much rain; the sea breaking over us with great violence, 
scarcely any part, even below deck, could be preserved free from 
wet, and all our ingenuity was called forth to preserve our beds 
moderately dry. At times the weight of water seemed too much 
for our little bark to bear, from which she could scarcely extricate 
herself before another deluge burst in upon her deck. A state of 
desertion was my lot throughout the day, and although at seasons 
I was ready to say, ' Lord, carest thou not that we perish V Yet 
I was not permitted in the darkest moment to cast away my con- 
fidence, although for many hours it seemed needful for us to stand 
prepared as with our lives in our hands, not knowing how soon 
they might be called for. At midnight the scene was truly awful, 
the wind blew in a furious manner, and the sea raged with in- 
creased violence, with heavy falls of rain. The mercury in the 
marine barometer, which had been falling all the day, became 
lower, and the little vessel seemed to twist and bend beneath her 
heavy burden. At this moment of struggle and extremity, behold 
a shift of wind to the south-west, which instead of taking aback 
suddenly the little canvass we were scudding under, (which might 
have produced consequences above all others the most to be 



28 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

dreaded,) came regularly round; and the captain, availing himself 
of this moment, directed that the vessel should be * hove to.' Cap- 
tain Keen came to me shortly after this circumstance had taken 
place, to acknowledge how providentially this change had been 
ordered, as sensible of the favour thus graciously bestowed upon us. 

Sixth month 13th. " This date has not failed to awaken feel- 
ings of painful reflections in reference to days which have long 
since passed away, it being thirty-three years since it pleased the 
God of all my mercies to bestow a crown upon the head of a poor 
unworthy creature, even the rich blessing of a truly virtuous wife, 
at the close of a meeting at Doncaster. Full well at this remote 
period do I remember the solemn and delightful season with which 
we were remarkably favoured, from the beginning to the end of 
the meeting. Dear Thomas Colley appeared largely in testimony 
on the occasion, to the tendering of many present. It was indeed 
an earnest of the heavenly Master's love, which never ceased to 
follow us through all the vicissitudes of time, during a hfe, not a 
little chequered, for a term of more than thirty-two years and a 
half, when he was pleased to deprive me of my greatest earthly 
treasure, and to take back that which he gave; but it was His 
own, I verily believe, even His, the same who enabled me to say, 
in the moment of my greatest distress, 'blessed be the name of the 
Lord.' In looking over the different relatives and friends present 
on the above occasion, there is at this period scarcely one of those 
individuals, at that time about our own age, who now survives, 
and I find that many of them much younger than ourselves, have 
been summoned from works to rewards : thus, whilst many of my 
contemporaries have finished their earthly career, I am still spared 
a little longer, a living monument of the Lord's everlasting mercy, 
for the purpose, I humbly trust, of declaring unto others what He 
hath done for my soul, and to show forth the praises of Him, who 
hath translated me out of darkness into his marvellous light. 
And although the sacrifice I am making may appear great, and 
be rendered more formidable by the late hour in the evening in 
which it has to be offered, yet in my estimation it is small indeed, 
and light as the dust of the balance, when the love and mercy, 
long-suffering and compassion of my good and gracious Lord 
God, are brought into remembrance, who hath redeemed my life 
from destruction, and crowned me with loving-kindness and tender 
mercies, to myself incomprehensible ; and I am persuaded only 
known to those, in the same degree, whose sin is blotted out as a 
cloud, and their transgressions as a thick cloud, by repentance 
toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ, who came 
into the world to save sinners, of whom each of us, in the depth 
of self-abasement, can say, * I am chief " 

A narrow escape from shipwreck against the island Inaccessible 
is thus adverted to : — 

Sixth month 18th. "As the day advanced, the wind and sea in- 



DANIEL WHEELER. 29 

creased, and the fog was so dense close down to the horizon, that 
there seemed but Httle prospect of discovering the land, at a suffi- 
cient distance to prevent our running directly upon it. As the 
afternoon wore away, the danger hourly increased : but at this 
juncture, the Everlasting Arm of strength and power, in wonted 
mercy and compassion, was signally displayed for our preserva- 
tion and relief, and in such a manner as wholly to exclude the 
slightest pretence of mortal man's having the least share in it. 
The mist cleared suddenly away ; and though but for a short in- 
terval, yet it was sufficient to discover a lofty, rocky island, 
about half a mile distant, standing nearly perpendicular out of the 
sea, far above the mast-head of the * Henry Freeling.' We soon 
perceived that this was the island called ' Inaccessible,' and appro- 
priately so, as from its vast height and steep approach, no landing 
apparently on the side next to us, could possibly have been effect- 
ed. This seemed at once to relieve our anxiety, and the captain 
now considered all danger as past, and that we should safely run 
between this island and another called Nightingale Island, although 
not able to see it on account of the fog, these islands being ten 
miles asunder. Thus cheered, we pursued our flying course with 
great velocity, as the wind had increased in violence soon after 
the high rocky island was first seen. But in another hour, our 
prospect was suddenly clouded by the appearance of more rugged 
rocky land on the same side of us. This circumstance, for a time, 
staggered all our hopes, as it could not be accounted for ; and of 
course we knew not how soon some unknown lurking reef might 
wreck our fragile vessel, which was scourged on by a hurri- 
cane-blast with greater speed, it is probable, than at any previous 
time. In the early part of this suspense. Captain Keen said to 
me, ' Now if your friends in England could look at us, they would 
have a better idea of the sacrifice you are making than they at 
present possess.' But this would have conveyed to them only a 
faint idea of what we have since had to pass through, and was 
only the beginning of those perils, which, in the end, have been so 
abundantly crowned with wondrous mercy. In this situation, the 
night was gathering blackness and darkness in the midst of a heavy 
tempest. 

Sixth month 20th. " It was observed that the mercury in the 
barometer, which had risen a little last evening, was this morning 
again on the decline, and by four o'clock, P. M., had fallen to 
29-53. The wind freshened throughout the day, and at night 
blew with such tremendous violence, accompanied with heavy 
rain and some lightning, as compelled us again to seek safety by 
• lying to ;' but, however trying to be thus disabled from making 
use of a fair wind when it blows, yet I believe we are truly thank- 
ful in having such a source of relief from the terrors of the storm 
afTprded to us, poor solitary wanderers on the mighty deep. It is 



30 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

three weeks to-day since we left Rio, and up to this time we have 
not seen another ship. 

Sixth month 21st. "Still * lying to,' in heavy gales from the 
south-west, with frequent squalls still more heavy, with rain and 
forked lightning, at the same time the weather extremely cold and 
penetrating. 

Sixth month 22nd. " * Lying to,' as yesterday, the storm still 
raging with unabated violence, squalls, heavy rain and lightning 
through the night. The sea having risen to a fearful height, has 
frequently inundated the deck of the vessel, and from the continual 
working of her whole frame, our bed-places have been unfit to 
sleep in, the water having found its way through numerous chinks. 
This morning early, a heavy sea broke into us, bringing a larger 
quantity of water upon the deck than at any time before. To 
myself a very remarkable and striking event took place this morn- 
ing. Shortly after the vessel had shipped a heavy body of water, 
I went up the hatchway to look round for a short interval ; at that 
moment the seas were running in mountainous succession, and I 
observed that some of the loftiest of the waves were very nearly 
prevaiHng against our little vessel ; it seemed as if she could not 
much longer escape being overwhelmed by them altogether. I 
made no remark to any one ; but soon after we tried to get some 
breakfast : while so occupied, one of the men called down to in- 
form us that there was a sight worth looking at on deck ; it was 
a large collection of a small species of the whale, close by the 
ship. I thought I should like to see them ; there were perhaps 
more than two hundred of these animals close to us, about twelve 
feet long each. When I went upon deck after breakfast they 
were still close to our bows ; and the man at the helm said, 
that they served as a breakwater for us : their being so was after- 
wards mentioned by some other person. At last my eyes were 
open to discover the protection they were affording our little strug- 
gling vessel ; they occupied a considerable portion of the surface 
of the sea, in the exact direction between the vessel and the wind 
and waves, reaching so near to us, that some of them might have 
been struck with a harpoon ; they remained constantly swimming 
in gentle and steady order, as if to maintain the position of a 
regular phalanx, and I suggested that nothing should be done to 
frighten them away. It was openly remarked by some, that not 
one sea had broken on board us while they occupied their useful 
post; and when they at last retired, it was perceived that the waves 
did not rage with the same violence as before they came to our 
relief I give this wonderful circumstance just as it occurred, and 
if any should be disposed to view it as a thing of chance, / do not, 
for I believe it to be one of the great and marvellous works of the 
Lord God Almighty. These friends in need, and friends indeed, 
filled up a sufliciently wide space upon two of the large swells of 
the ocean, completely to obstruct the approach of each succeeding 



DANIEL WHEELER. 31 

wave opposed to the vessel, so that if the third wave from us was 
coming in lofty foam towards us, by the time it had rolled over 
and become the second wave, its foaming, threatening aspect was 
destroyed entirely, reaching us at last, in the form of a dead and 
harmless swell. They are a very oily fish, but seldom larger 
than to yield about two barrels of oil ; they are commonly called 
black fish. 

Sixth month 23d. " Still ' lying to,' sustained through another 
rough and perilous night, the wintry storm yet howling around us. 
We remarked, after having just passed the shortest day in this cli- 
mate, that our friends in England had returned home from the 
Yearly Meeting, and were enjoying the delightful days of summer 
at their greatest length. 

Sixth month 26th. " The tempestuous and turbulent weather, 
which our little vessel has had of late to contend with so largely, 
the great length of voyage still unaccomplished, at the most unfa- 
vourable season of the year, have frequently been a subject of se- 
rious thought, but more particularly from witnessing, since the 
last heavy gales, considerable and almost daily increasing leakage 
from different parts of the deck, owing to the great strain to which 
her upper works have been subjected, by the enormous weight of 
lum.ber, together with part of our stock of fresh water, upon the 
deck. After looking at the state of things on every side, and 
taking the different bearings of the whole into deliberate conside- 
ration, it seemed the most prudent measure, in the hope of contri- 
buting to the future safety of the vessel, and to enable her to per- 
form the service looked forward to, in its fullest extent, to lighten 
her deck, by launching overboard, on the first favourable opportuni- 
ty, every weight of spars, &c. that could be dispensed with. As 
this could not be done in rough weather, without the risk of injury 
both to the people and the ship ; and there being less wind and sea 
to-day, than for some time back, it was resolved, if possible to ac- 
complish it. Accordingly, four heavy logs, a spare square sail- 
yard (old,) a heavy spar intended for a top-mast, with many other 
cumbrous weights, which tended to increase the weakness of the 
quarters of the vessel, were cast into the sea without accident. 
It is truly cause of regret thus to sacrifice articles, which at a 
future day may be much needed; but the necessity of endeavour- 
ing to relieve the present difficulty and distress, compelled us to 
pass over that, which now can be looked at as remote, and may 
never occur. 

" As this step has not been taken suddenly, or hastily determined 
upon, nor in the moment of impending danger, when fear might 
have operated, but is the result of patient and deliberate observa- 
tion, I trust that our dear friends in England will see the propriety 
of our so doing. Several of the articles thus thrown into the sea, 
belonged to the vessel when first purchased, and I believe the sum 
of five pounds sterling would cover the whole amount of such 



32 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

things as were afterwards bought and intended as extra stores. I 
was disappointed at finding on inquiry that the name * Henry Free- 
ling,' which was deeply branded on each of the four logs, had not 
been previously cut out before they were thrown overboard, lest 
this omission should give rise to a report of our having been 
wrecked, gone to pieces, or foundered at sea, if any of them 
should reach a distant shore, or be picked up by another ship." 

Some of the tempestuous weather which succeeded is described 
in the following extracts from the Journal : — 

Seventh month 7th. " Still ' lying to ;' the storm has continued 
all night, and the sea makes very heavy upon us. The mercury 
in the marine barometer sunk to 29-30, then rose a little, and again 
sunk lower in the tube. As the night advanced, the storm in- 
creased with awful violence. Captain Keen said his last voyage 
was forty-six months in length, but that he had never witnessed 
such a night during the whole of it. The strength of the wind 
was incredible, and the Hghtning appalling, with a fall of rain and 
sleet; the sea broke in upon our little ship in an alarming manner. 
The poor men were lashed upon the deck with ropes, to prevent 
their being washed away ; benumbed with cold, and at times float- 
ing with the vast load of water upon the deck — their sufterings 
are not easily described. The bulwark on the larboard side was 
damaged, and the spray reached more than two-thirds up the 
main-mast. In the morning the seamen expressed considerable 
discouragement, and I observed a disposition rather to make the 
worst of things. The captain said, ' he hoped he should not see 
such another night in this vessel.' One person did not expect she 
would have kept up until morning. When assembled at the break- 
fast table, I had to tell them, with a degree of firmness, that a 
murmur ought not to be heard amongst us, but rather the expres- 
sion of thankfulness that * we are as we are.' On looking round 
at the ravages of the storm, I was surprised to find that so little 
damage was done ; and the increase of pumping had been com- 
paratively trifling to what might have been expected from the vio- 
lent and frequent strokes of the sea, and the floods of water that 
had rolled over the deck of the vessel. 

" In the darkest part of the night of the 6th inst., a distinct lu- 
minous appearance or glow of light remained at our mast-head ; 
a phenomenon only seen in dreadful weather, when the atmosphere 
is highly charged with electric fluid. The sailors call it a corpo- 
sant. I think such a thing is mentioned in John Churchman's 
Journal, or that of some other worthy.* The countenances of 
our men were considerably whitened this morning, by the great 
quantity of salt, which having been deposited by the constant wash 
of the sea had dried upon their faces. In the course of the storm 
yesterday evening, unusual darkness gathered round us, when sud- 

* See John Woolman's Journal, Dublin edition, 1794, p. 212. 



DANIEL WHEELER. 33 

denly the wind, which blew with great violence, increased to a 
complete hurricane, and roared in a terrific manner, and for a 
while closely threatened our little vessel. The force of the wind 
was so great, that the waves for the time almost ceased to undu- 
late, and the surface of the ocean became level and whitened with 
foam. At this juncture I was comforted in beholding the calmness 
and resignation with which my dear Charles was favoured. At 
one time he remarked, ' What a painful situation those people must 
be in, who have not a good reason for being exposed to similar 
distress, when they find themselves overtaken by it.' I told him, it 
was formidable enough even to those who felt themselves in the 
line of apprehended duty. As the night approached another storm 
began to threaten, and the waves ran so cross, and broke in such 
different directions, that the motion of the vessel for a time ex- 
ceeded all we had before witnessed, and the waters rushed on 
board of her on every side. At ten o'clock, P. M., it was so tem- 
pestuous, that we again hugged the howling blast, by * heaving to :' 
as the vessel came round with her head to the wind, one heavy 
wave broke on board, but happily none of the crew were lost. 
In the afternoon, when it was thought that the storm had arrived 
at its greatest strength, this hope was suddenly extinguished by the 
mercury falling in a short space of time down to 29-50. The cap- 
tain said, 'We have done all we can, trust in Providence only re- 
mains.' " 

The following extract proves the state of our dear friend's mind, 
about this period : — 

" Two or three days previous to this tempest, I felt much de- 
pressed on account of my Charles, he having drooped more than 
usual, from the effects of the cold weather; the great length of 
time we had already been the sport of the winds and waves since 
leaving the Rio de Janeiro, could not but excite a painful and dis- 
couraging fear lest his strength should prove unequal to the re- 
maining part of the voyage, as we had only passed over about 
one thousand miles in distance, since beginning to traverse the 
margin of the Indian Ocean, and are still greatly annoyed by the 
strong currents and heavy gales which prevail from the direction 
of Madagascar, and are probably attracted down the Mosambique 
channel, which separates that island from the coast of Natal, on 
the south-east shore of Africa. But as the late storm approached, 
I felt, through unmerited favour, increasing peacefulness and tran- 
quillity, which nothing during its whole continuance was permitted 
to disturb ; and in the most awful moment of uncertainty and im- 
pending danger, fear had no place to enter ; this was utterly ban- 
ished by the love of the ever-blessed Master that flowed in my 
heart, and which in the true dignity of its heavenly power cast it 
out ; and the language which at intervals continued to prevail 
and occupy the inner man, with a soothing and encouraging 
sweetness, was that of the Psalmist, * Delight thyself in the Lord, 

4 



34 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

and he shall give thee the desires of thy heart.' Thus indeed was 
strength truly administered, according to the glorious working of 
his power, unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness, to 
endure, and give thanks to the Lord Most High. I should shrink 
from making any remark on the state of my own mind, whilst in 
the extremity out of which we have been so remarkably delivered, 
did I not feel called upon by a sense of gratitude to our compassion- 
ate Lord; at the same time a hope gleams through my heart, that 
it will tend to strengthen the faith of some hesitating and doubting 
fellow-travellers who may eventually peruse these hnes, to ' follow 
on to know the Lord' for themselves, and thus partake of his love, 
mercy, and life-giving presence, and be encouraged to forsake all 
and follow him, * nothing doubting,' wherever he may be pleased 
to lead : for the declaration, ' Lo I am with you alway,' will as- 
suredly be verified in their experience, and all earthly things will 
be estimated but as loss and dross, in comparison with the excel- 
lence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus. 

Seventh month 22nd. "From the 14th inst. to the present date, 
a succession of stormy weather was our portion, during which we 
had to * lie to,' with the head of the vessel to the wind and sea, 
four times, and this with a fair wind too, but the sea ran too high 
to make it availing. 

" Whilst < lying to' in heavy weather the fore part of last night, 
(the last of the above four times,) I felt much exhausted for want 
of rest, and not a little depressed and discouraged by surrounding 
circumstances. 

" The almost incessant labouring of the vessel, and the heavy 
strokes of the sea, which have so often assailed her battered sides, 
could not fail to occasion extra pumping when it blew hard : al- 
though upon the whole she had suffered little since her deck had 
been lightened and freed from dead weights ; and yet every re- 
turning day seemed to bring a fresh tempest with it, which kept 
the sea unceasingly agitated. All these circumstances could not 
fail to occasion renewed thoughtfulness, more especially as we 
have still more than one hundred degrees of east longitude to run 
down, before reaching our intended port, and are so frequently 
compelled to * lie to,' for our safety, lest the sea should overwhelm 
us altogether. Thus I was letting in fear and doubts, and listening 
to the tempter's insinuations, notwithstanding the muhitude of mer- 
cies which have been showered upon us for our deliverance ; yet 
such is the frailty of human nature, that when we see the waves 
of adversity boisterous about us, we begin to sink, by letting in 
fear at the prospect, although fully sanctioned by the Lord him- 
self; but even the brightest gleam of sunshine soon loses its glad- 
dening influence on our minds unless again and again renewed by 
the ever-blessed Master, who having been touched with a feeling 
of our manifold infirmities, pities the weakness of poor mortal 
dust. After passing through considerable mental conflict, in con- 



DANIEL WHEELER. 35 

trition I went upon the deck, supposing from the great motion of 
the vessel, that the storm had continued all the night, and that we 
were still * lying to,' when, to my surprise, I found a bright and 
beautiful morning, the weather apparently entirely changed, the 
wind fair, and the vessel gradually pursuing her route, but the 
great and diverse swells of the sea still occasioning her to labour 
hard, nearly as much as during the storm in the fore part of the 
night. I could not help feeling ashamed and mortified in abase- 
ment of self, in finding I had been thus duped by the grand adver- 
sary, who, ever on the alert and unwearied, had found the ' watch' 
neglected in a darkened gloomy hour of trial and perplexity, and 
thus improved the opportunity to his own advantage, leaving me 
covered with self-reproach as in dust and ashes. 

Seventh month 28th. "The height of the waves compelled us 
again to ' lie to,' under storm-canvass, for thirty hours. This gale 
increased to a violent degree, but different in most respects from 
all which we had previously been called to witness. In all the 
preceding cases there had been a change of a favourable nature 
to cheer us through the dreary tempest, but now every alteration 
appeared to be against us, serving only to render our situation 
more and more alarming. It did seem as if we were now cast off" 
and left to the fury of the wind and waves ; and notwithstanding 
we had with our own eyes seen as it were Jordan driven back, 
and the waters of the Red Sea stand as on heaps, for our deliver- 
ance, yet now the glorious presence was withdrawn, and so com- 
pletely hidden, that no trace could be perceived to administer one 
glimmering ray of hope in the midst of our complicated distress. 
On looking at our forlorn and helpless situation, and the OA^er- 
whelming appearance of the storm, the fury of which had been 
only aggravated by every change which had so far taken place, it 
now seemed too late for any thing to occur that could probably 
operate in our favour, as the sea was running in confused heaps 
different ways in a frightful manner, caused by the wind having 
shifted to different points, and from each point blown furiously. 
About three o'clock in the afternoon the mercury fell lower and 
lower, when we were overtaken with a squall of wind, truly ap- 
palling and terrific, which in a short time afterwards w^as suc- 
ceeded by a second still more violent and alarming ; but through 
the medium of these two dreadful blasts, which at first threatened 
nothing but destruction, our deliverance was marvellously effected. 
Such was the fury of these two tyfoons, that they actually, in a 
short space of time, changed the wild and disfigured surface of the 
troubled ocean from unruly mountains to a rugged level, by their 
boisterous breath, leaving nothing but a sea white as milk with 
foam. From this time the storm subsided, and at midnight we 
were again enabled to bear away for Van Diemen's Land, distant, 
four thousand seven hundred miles. 

Seventh month 31st. " * Lying to,' with an increasing tempest 



36 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

around us. Charles and myself sat down together, it being fifth- 
day, though * troubled on every side, yet not distressed, perplexed, 
but not in despair, persecuted' again and again, but verily, * not 
forsaken ; cast down, but not destroyed,' however much like two 
poor outcasts born out of due time, and tossing on the bosom of 
the restless waters, far from friends and native home, but under a 
peaceful feeling of resignation and poverty of spirit. We are now 
in latitude 40 south, longitude 70 east. The barometer had been 
low yesterday, but had begun to rise a Httle. In a short time, 
however, the mercury began again to sink, and dropped down to 
28-50., being an inch lower than when we experienced the hurri- 
cane in the neighbourhood of the Cape of Good Hope. This cir- 
cumstance spread a gloom over us ; having witnessed such dreadful 
weather about three weeks before when the mercury was at 29-50, 
and knowing the correctness of the barometer in former cases, 
our apprehensions were increasingly awakened, and under a sense 
that another close trial was not far distant, we endeavoured to 
wait patiently the event, though in a painful suspense, with, I be- 
lieve, a full surrender of ourselves to the will of Almighty God; 
remembering my poor, scattered orphan family and dear relations 
and friends everywhere, in the midst of our compHcated trials and 
distress, in earnestness and brokenness before Him, who only knows 
the anguish of a tribulated soul. Towards evening the wind and 
sea increased in such a dreadful manner, that the horrors of the 
scene cannot be faithfully described. It blew a perfect hurricane ; 
and although we had only sufficient storm-canvass set to keep the 
vessel's head to the sea, yet she seemed to be in danger of being 
torn to pieces with the intense pressure against which she had to 
struggle through a rugged sea, for some hours together. The cap- 
tain was much alarmed, and said, * If she gets through this, she will 
get through any thing.' The agitated waters broke in upon us 
on every side, like cascades, frequently loading the deck with their 
weight. The whole frame of the vessel trembled and shook with 
the strain in an unusual manner. This hurricane at length became 
a steady and regular gale of wind, but very heavy. 

Eighth month 4th. " The weather very boisterous, although we 
were permitted to keep before the wind and sea. To-day we 
were escorted by an unusual number of birds, the albatross, cape 
hen, stormy petrell, &c. On the fifth we were compelled again to 
* lie to,' and this day, the sixth, we are again ' lying to.' At three 
o'clock, P. M., we were assailed by a most violent tempest, with 
heavy falls of rain, sleet and hail ; the sea curled in an unusual 
manner, and raging in opposite directions, our little bark seemed 
as if she could not long sustain the unequal conflict, as the wind 
kept increasing to a degree almost inconceivable, except to those 
who may have witnessed the hurricane with all its furious and 
angry growl. Every thing was done that could be devised for 
our relief, but all our efforts seemed overpowered and unavailing, 



DANIEL WHEELER. 37 

and we could not wholly divest ourselves of an apprehension that 
she must eventually fill and founder by the lee with us at last, if 
the fury of the storm were not curbed ; of this, however, there 
seemed no probabihty, and the approach of night served only to 
increase its horror, and renew its force. In this situation one 
would have supposed that no relief could have availed short of an 
abatement of the storm ; but true it is, that an increase of its fury 
produced a circumstance, which at once enabled our weather- 
beaten little vessel to rise with comparative ease to every opposing 
mountain-billow. At eight o'clock, P. M., the wind was so pow- 
erfully strong, that it blew our new storm-jib away from the duff 
or bolt-rope altogether. Every exertion was made to prevent the 
total loss of the sail, but it flapped with such violence as to shake 
the whole frame of the vessel, threatening destruction to all that 
came near it. At length it was lowered down into the water 
under the lee of the ship, where it was happily secured, but not 
without one man being hurt by it. For want of this sail, it was 
now feared that the sea would make a constant breach over our 
deck ; but before another sail could be prepared to replace it, it 
was truly relieving to find that the vessel bowed to the seas as they 
met her, in a much more Kvely manner without it, than she had 
done with it. Thus, in a very unexpected manner, was a way 
made for us to ride triumphant through the remainder of the ter- 
rific storm, without any material injury to the vessel beyond the 
loss of her bulwark. * This poor man cried, and the Lord heard 
him, and saved him out of all his troubles,' and to Him be the 
glory and the praise for ever. In the course of every storm 
which we had witnessed previously to the last, thunder and light- 
ning had more or less accompanied them, sometimes in an awful 
manner, but more particularly the lightning, when forked ; and 
although we left England without conducting chains; yet thus far, 
not a flash has been permitted to harm us. By way of precau- 
tion, the pumps have at times been stopped up, to prevent their 
being split. Such favours I desire to record with thankfulness, 
and to number them among the many blessings which have de- 
scended upon us from our heavenly Parent, times innumerable. 

Eighth month 8th. " It is now more than ten weeks since we 
sailed from the Rio de Janeiro ; we are still more than three thou- 
sand miles from our desired port, and yet the winds have mostly 
blown from favourable quarters, but often with such violence as to 
render them unavailing, on account of the tremendous seas they 
have occasioned. 

Eighth month 10th. " The two last days the weather has been 
very rugged, but more gentle in the course of last night, and 
some heavy showers of rain have greatly assisted in stilling the 
swellings of the restless waters ; which allowed our ship's com- 
pany to sit down together in a good degree of comfort, it being 

first-day. 

4* 



38 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

Eighth month 14th. " To-day we have again ventured before 
the wind. In the forenoon, it being the fifth-day of the week, 
Charles and myself were engaged in silent waiting ; I sat under a 
painful feeling of great strippedness and desertion, which have 
frequently been my portion of late ; but my Lord knows best what 
is best for me ; and ahhough his blessed will may not at all times 
just suit the creaturely desires of a poor finite mortal, yet I think 
I desire to be patiently resigned, and to be able to say in sincerity 
of heart, * I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is 
weaned of his mother ; my soul is even as a weaned child,' hum- 
bly praying, that at seasons an evidence may be granted that all 
things will work together for good, although the heavenly, blessed, 
and only avaihng Comforter, who alone can relieve my soul, may 
be so veiled from the view of my mind as to appear far from me. 
By noon the wind and sea had so much risen that it became need- 
ful again to *lie to,' without delay. Soon after the vessel was 
brought to the wind, every indication was exhibited of another 
dreadful tempest being close upon us. The interval of suspense 
was short before our fears were realized by being again surrounded 
with all the horrors of a furious storm, which kept increasing as 
the night drew on with aggravated violence, and continued the 
whole of it with unabated fury. 

Eighth month 15th. " To-day the sea was considered the most 
lofty and appalling that had yet been permitted to assail our poor 
fragile bark. The wind shifted several points in the course of the 
gale, causing the white crested foaming billows to run one against 
another in fearful heaps, and breaking as they met in every direc- 
tion, to exhibit one vast ocean of white foam in confused agita- 
tion, not to be described. As the principal weight of this mighty 
tempest came from the southward and westward, there was no- 
thing to break in any degree the sweeping range of the seas 
between us and the neighbourhood of the Pole; and the wind 
coming off such vast bodies of ice, brought with it most chilling 
cold, and heavy falls of hail or sleet, which added much to the 
already accumulated sufferings of our poor, drenched, and be- 
numbed seamen. 

Eighth month 16th. " After midnight the storm became less 
violent and angry, and only blew a gale of wind, which gradually 
diminished before day-break this morning, and the mountainous 
waves having ceased from foaming, though still prodigious, about 
seven o'clock, P. M., we again put the head of our little battered ark 
towards the far-distant and long-desired Tasmania, although but 
small progress could be made, from the lofty swells which were 
raging around her. During the tempest of yesterday it was very 
evident that several on board were much discouraged at its awful 
strength. It was acknowledged by the captain, mate, and others, 
that they had never beheld such a dreadful sea at any time before, 
and yet the little * Freeling' was preserved through it all with com- 



DANIEL WHEELER. 39 

paratively slight injury. Such indeed have been the renewed ex- 
tendings of abounding mercy, as ought to be sufficient to cause 
even those of little faith to be ashamed, and to cease any longer 
to doubt ; but, alas ! the rod once withdrawn, is soon forgotten ; 
as is the loving-kindness of the Lord, when the danger is over and 
passed away: Uke Israel of old, who sang his praise, but soon 
forgot his works. 

Eighth month 17th. " The weather being more gentle the crew 
were assembled twice in the course of the day for devotional pur- 
poses. The evening was crowned with sweet peace. 

18th. "At noon this day we have completed full 140° of longi- 
tude, more than 100 of these since leaving the Rio de Janeiro by 
the way of the South American continent to the Cape of Good 
Hope; and we have yet about 46i° more to accomplishj before 
entering the Derwent river, besides several degrees of south lati- 
tude to fill up. 

Ninth month 6th. " Since the 17th ult. to this date, the weather 
has been more favourable, though often rough and boisterous. 
To-day strong gales and cloudy, but the sea although high, still 
admits of our steering a direct course : yesterday at noon we were 
about 340 miles from the southern promontory of Tasmania. If 
the weather should be clear to-morrow, and the wind continue in 
this quarter with the same strength, we expect to see the land once 
more in the afternoon. This evening there is a rumour of land 
being in sight." 



CHAPTER III. 

Van Diemen's Land — blown ofF— enter Storm Bay — anchor offHobart Town — meeting with 
James Backhouse and George W. Walker — the Henry Freeling — illness— sail from Hobart 
Town — Botany Bay — arrival at Sidney — Aborigines — visit from a missionary — interview 
with the governor — conclude to stop at Norfolk Island — an aged missionary — public meet- 
ing at Sidney — a visit to the governor — the ship's company — religious engagements. 

On drawing near to Van Diemen's Land they found themselves 
in a perilous situation, as appears by the following extract : — 

Ninth month 7th. " After sailing rapidly with a strong breeze 
all night, the land was fairly in sight at day-light this morning, but 
too distant for it to be determined with certainty what particular 
part we saw. Towards noon the south-west Cape of Van Die- 
men's Land, with the south Cape, and the land in the neighbour- 
hood of Tasman's Head were distinguished, but the wind had 
shifted, almost directly against our vessel, and a considerable 
swell of the sea had risen, although in the morning these were 
both in our favour. In the course of the day we had two satis- 
factory sittings with the crew, it being first-day. About five 
o'clock, P. M., the atmosphere assumed a very threatening ap- 



40 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

pearance. The sailors could scarcely get in the sails before it 
blew in a furious manner. Our hopes, which had previously 
brightened at the prospect of getting into port, were now unex- 
pectedly and suddenly blighted, and instead of a probabihty of 
this being soon realized, we had the mortification to witness a 
painful reverse; for before midnight, such was the violence of the 
tempest that we were literally blown off the land altogether, and 
our situation rendered doubly hazardous by being in the neigh- 
bourhood of rocks and shoals. One of these rocks, from its exact 
position being unknown, caused more thoughtfulness than others. 
The storm lasted all night, and brought with it the swells of the 
Pacific, which meeting those from the edge of the Indian Ocean, 
together with the currents occasioned by New Holland, &c., soon 
raised a cross and outrageous sea. 

" It was thought that our vessel had not sustained more real 
damage from any storm she had previously encountered during 
the whole voyage, except one, which exceeded it in violence. The 
sea ranged over our deck almost the whole night. She was struck 
several times in different parts by heavy seas, and part of the bul- 
wark on the starboard side was driven on board. Towards morn- 
ing on the 9th instant, the strength of the wind was so greatly 
diminished, that by eleven o'clock, A. M., w^e made sail, and 
stretched to the northward to endeavour to get sight of the land 
again. Soon after noon the small islands of Pedro Blanco and 
the Eddystone were plainly ascertained, afterwards the main land 
appeared, and as the wind was favourable, we steered at once for 
Tasman's Head, and entered Storm Bay just at nightfall. After 
beating about all the night and next day, without gaining much 
ground, I determined to endeavour to anchor in Adventure Bay, 
which was well recommended by the late Captain Cook, but it fell 
calm before we reached Penguin Island, and from the fear of being 
driven amongst the rocks, by the currents, this project was aban- 
doned. A light air of wind springing up, we again stretched 
across Storm Bay, not without some apprehension of being blown 
oflf the coast before morning. With great fatigue to the men we 
got through the night in safety, but a dismal one it proved, and 
although we were not in a capacity to * cast four anchors over 
the stern, yet I believe we all did most earnestly wish for the day.' 
At length it broke to our relief, when we persisted in beating up 
the bay, and about noon took a pilot on board. After working 
through the day in very squally weather, we entered the Derwent 
before dark, and were at last mercifully favoured safely to anchor 
off Hobart Town, at eleven o'clock, P. M., on the 10th of Ninth 
month. Next morning we moved again to a place more conve- 
nient, and eventually moored with two anchors, opposite the Gov- 
ernment House, close to the garden of the Lieutenant Governor, 
G. Arthur. Next morning I ascertained that our dear friends, 



DANIEL WHEELER. 41 

James Backhouse and George Washington Walker, were still in 
these parts and well." 

In the letter from Hobart Town, dated 25th of Ninth month, 
1834, accompanying his Journal, Daniel Wheeler thus writes, 
" Though many of the storms and tempests have been enumer- 
ated, yet not one half of what it has been our portion to witness, 
has been told to my beloved friends. It may suffice for me to say, 
that we have been compelled to seek refuge more than twenty 
times from the fury of the hostile elements by ' lying to,' with the 
ship's head to the wind and waves : and this has been resorted to 
only in cases of extreme danger." 

It will be seen by the extract from the Journal, under date of 
25th of Sixth month, that it appeared necessary to lighten the 
vessel, by casting into the sea some heavy logs, &c. In the same 
letter, Daniel Wheeler alludes to one of the sailors, who, it ap- 
pears, had been remarkably visited, and brought under feelings of 
deep condemnation, and who opened his mind to him in a letter : — 
of this man he remarks, " His obdurate heart was never softened, 
and subdued, and humbled, until after the last dreadful tempest, 
when the weight of his burden became so heavy as to constrain 
him to confession. I had perceived in his eye, the anguish of his 
wounded spirit, but knew not the cause until he wrote to me. He 
had several times been in danger of being washed overboard ; and 
once nearly fell from one of the yards when aloft, but these dan- 
gers were not sufficient wholly to bring down his stubborn heart. 
I think this one circumstance, independently of our (I trust) timely 
visit to Rio de Janeiro, cannot fail to animate the hearts of all our 
dear friends, particularly such as have been instrumental, in any 
degree, towards promoting the great work in which we are en- 
gaged, and cause them to feel a lively participation in that hea- 
venly joy, which welcomes the repenting and returning sinner to 
his Father's house." 

From a previous extract, it will be observed that Daniel Whee- 
ler, suggested that certain stipulations should be made with any 
person who might be engaged to take the command of the vessel; 
one of these was, that himself and mate should attend morning 
and evening, when the Holy Scriptures were read ; this appears 
to have been attended to, and the sailors also have enjoyed the 
privilege of hearing them read at suitable times ; and from a para- 
graph in one of his letters, it appears that he had been careful to 
inform them that he did not consider such reading as a part of 
Divine worship, "but that true worship is an act between man 
and his great Creator, and can only be performed acceptably in 
spirit and in truth." 

When the state of the weather permitted, meetings were regu- 
larly held on first and fifth-days, those on first-days were attended 
by the ship's company, and were, it appears, often seasons of fa- 



4S LETTERS AND JOtJRNAL OF 

vour, comforting and supporting the minds of these dear friends 
under trials of faith of no common kind. 

It will be seen by the perusal of the foregoing extracts, that our 
dear friends had abundant cause experimentally to adopt the lan- 
guage of the Psalmist, " The floods have lifted up, O Lord ! the 
floods have hfted up their voice, the floods lift up their waves. The 
Lord on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea than 
the mighty waves of the sea." " Thou rulest the raging of the 
sea ; when the waves thereof arise, thou stillest them." 

In Daniel Wheeler's last communication from Hobart Town, 
bearing date the 21st of tenth month, the following passages occur. 
" Soon after my last letters, &c., were finally closed, and a few 
hours before the Cleopatra sailed, our dear friends, James Back- 
house and George Washington Walker returned to Hobart Town ; 
as we had previous information of the time they were expected to 
arrive, we were at their lodgings in readiness to receive them. 
They were not strangers to our being here, as the arrival of the 
* Henry Freeling,' had been publicly notified in the newspapers, in 
connexion with my name, as a member of the Society of Friends. 
Our joy at meeting, so remote from England, I believe was mu- 
tual, and can be more easily conceived than described; but it has 
been since not a little heightened by our having been favoured and 
strengthened to labour unitedly together, for the promotion of the 
same great and glorious cause in the different meetings which have 
been held at this place since their arrival, as also in opportunities 
of a more private nature." 

Respecting the vessel, he says, " on examination, after reaching 
this port, it was found that several repairs were necessary^ both to 
the upper works of the vessel, and sails and rigging also, as might 
be expected from the long and tempestuous passage through which 
we had been favoured so safely to pass ; but these are not of such 
magnitude as to require more than some blacksmith's work, and 
timber, in addition to our own strength, and stores, for replacing 
the bulwarks and rails, which were repeatedly destroyed by the 
heavy seas : in the partial repairs carried on at sea, all our mate- 
rials were consumed ; our crew are now mending the sails, and 
the principal part of the damage is nearly repaired, and I hope 
effectually so, for some time to come." In another letter, after 
mentioning the vessel, he adds, " I think we are unitedly of the 
opinion, that she is as good a vessel as can be put together, and 
that if she had not really been such, she never would have been 
here." 

In reference to the ship's company it is very satisfactory to in- 
sert the following extracts : " With a little exception, our sailors 
have exceeded my most sanguine expectations as to behaviour and 
conduct in general, but I think no men could have suffered more 
hardships from the weather than they have endured. For a time 
we gave them some wine, but whether from its becoming flat and 



DANIEL WHEELER. 43 

vapid by washing about in the cask, when a quantity of it had 
been taken out, or with the change from cold to heat, and then to 
cold again, some of them declined drinking it, on account of its 
not suiting them, so that they had nothing but water for months 
together." Again, " It is a Httle remarkable, that, although they 
have been sometimes wet, and in wet clothes not for a day or two, 
but for a week together, when their teeth have chattered with 
cold, with no warm food, the sea having put the fires out, even 
below the deck, and the water filtering through the deck on their 
beds below, and not a dry garment to change, yet not a single in- 
stance of the cramp has occurred amongst them, nor the slightest 
appearance of the scurvy, even in those who have before-time 
been afflicted with it, and still bear the marks about them ; and 
with the solitary instance of one man, who was forced to quit the 
deck for two hours during his watch, from being taken unwell, 
every man and boy have stood throughout the whole in a remark- 
able manner. They have been plentifully supplied with fresh pro- 
visions and vegetables since we arrived, and with some malt liquor 
also, but their character for sobriety and temperance, and general 
good behaviour, has warranted every reasonable indulgence likely 
to conduce to their health and welfare." 

Respecting his future prospects, our friend thus writes : " My 
dear friends will perhaps remember that the Society Islands have 
always been the primary object before my mind, and this origin- 
ally gave rise to the intention of our making the attempt to reach 
them by the way of Cape Horn as the nearest route. And al- 
though Van Diemen's Land and New South Wales are also in- 
cluded in the certificates granted me, yet the Society Isles are still 
the object bright before me, as the first point of destination to be 
aimed at." He then observes, " It is expected that we shall be 
ready to leave this port in about a fortnight, and as it appears that 
our dear friends, James Backhouse and George Washington Walker, 
are now about closing their engagements in Van Diemen's Land, 
and will be ready to proceed hence at the same time, we therefore 
propose conveying them to Port Jackson, where it is my intention 
to call, for the purpose of recruiting our stock of coals, oil, &c., 
all of which, are extremely high in price at Hobart Town, and 
may be purchased in Sydney at a reasonable rate. As our course 
will be round the northern extremity of New Zealand, we shall 
have but a trifling distance extra to perform, by hauling in for the 
coast of New Holland." 

Since the foregoing, further letters and extracts from his Journal 
to the 12th of first month, 1835, have been received, by which it 
appears, that soon after Daniel Wheeler despatched his letters, &c, 
of the 21st of tenth month, he became so seriously ill, as to ren- 
der his recovery doubtful, both to himself and others, respecting 
which, he says, " for a time it almost seemed as if I had come to 
Van Diemen's Land to lay down my head there, but in this pros- 



44 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

pect, peaceful resignation to whatever should be the will of my 
heavenly Father, was the stay and comfort of my mind, bearing 
it up above the bondage of fear even to a degree of rejoicing, in 
humble trust and confidence in the inconceivable love of Him who 
* came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance ;' permit- 
ting them to know and sensibly feel the riches of that universal 
heavenly grace, which triumphs over all the depravities of human 
nature, where its operations are submitted to ; begetting a faith, 
that can remove every mountain of sin and opposition, and give 
the victory over death, hell, and the grave, to all who believe in 
its powerful and saving efficacy, who * live not unto themselves, 
but unto Him who died for them and rose again,' and ' because he 
lives, they live also,' through the mercy of God, in their crucified 
and glorified Redeemer, and risen Lord. My Charles was also 
unwell fjor some time, but is again, with myself, gaining strength." 
Daniel/ Wheeler adds, " The complaint at length settled upon my 
lungs. The season was particularly late and cold, deep snow was 
lying upon the mountains in sight ; and cold rains almost daily 
falling in torrents, rendered the streets and roads in the town 
nearly impassable, excepting a few of the principal thoroughfares 
that are macadamized. No regularly formed footpaths are yet 
estabhshed in any part of the colony; so that getting about on 
foot was almost impracticable for invalids, although in an ad- 
vanced stage of convalescence. But although our intentions have 
been thus frustrated, yet I am persuaded that all things which 
have hitherto been permitted, have been mercifully dispensed, and 
have worked, and will continue to work together for good, and 
that the lengthened continuance of cold winterly weather has been 
best for us, and will much more effectually serve to brace us, and 
prepare our constitutions for the relaxing and constant heat that 
we shall meet with amongst the Society Islands. Besides the ad- 
vantages which have been thus derived, I am firm in the belief, 
that our protracted stay in this neighbourhood will ultimately be 
found to have been in the ordering of Divine wisdom, however 
apparently at the moment, impeding the great object before me, 
which it has been my earnest and anxious solicitude to accomplish 
while the earthly tabernacle retains a good degree of strength." 
In a letter dated Second month 2nd, 1835, he adds, " By this de- 
tention an opportunity was afforded for a complete and satisfac- 
tory arrangement not only of our own affairs, but of those of our 
dear friends, James Backhouse and George Washington Walker. 
The arrival of a ship, (the Auriga from London,) in this interim, 
having brought out for them a variety of books, tracts, &c., which 
were much needed for distribution in Van Diemen's Land, it 
seemed to crown all their labours, and enable them to depart in 
peace." 

After making several visits to their friends, to take leave, pre- 
vious to their departure, (respecting which, some interesting par- 



DANIEL WHEELER. 45 

ticulars are mentioned,) our friends, in company with James Back- 
house and George W. Walker, weighed anchor in the evening of 
the 11th of Twelfth month, having previously had a parting 
opportunity in the family of the heutenant governor, George 
Arthur, who has uniformly treated them with kindness and hos- 
pitahty. They had, however, no sooner left the " quiet moorings 
of the Derwent River," than they had to encounter the buffetings 
of the stormy main. He adds, " The pilot left us at day-break, and 
at eleven o'clock in the forenoon we were under our new storm- 
trysail, and storm-jib, in the midst of strong contrary gales, and 
rainy weather." This was more or less the case, during the pass- 
age from the Derwent to Port Jackson. On the 17th, they dis- 
covered " Cape Howe on the coast of New Holland." On the 
18th, in sight of Mount Dromedary and Montague Island. In the 
night of the 19th, they were in considerable danger of being 
driven amongst the rocks by some unknown current, but were 
favoured to discover and escape the danger in time, " although 
the night was dark, and much rain falling." Daniel Wheeler 
adds, " although the danger which threatened was evident and 
imminent, yet our little company were preserved in quietness, and 
divested of fear." At eight o'clock, A. M., next day, the 20th, 
they " were abreast of Botany Bay ; at eleven o'clock, saw the 
light-house and signal-staff on the South Head, which forms one 
side of the entrance of Port Jackson. A timely signal having 
been made, we got a pilot on board on nearing the reef, and im- 
mediately worked up the bay towards the harbour. At two 
o'clock, P. M., we were favoured safely to anchor in Sidney 
Cove, at a convenient distance from the shore ; before anchoring, 
the mail, with which we had been entrusted from Van Diemen's 
Land, was duly conveyed to the post-office at Sidney." Our dear 
friends met with a cordial reception there, not only from persons 
to whom they had letters of recommendation, but from many 
others also ; marks of respect, kindness, and hospitality were also 
shown them by the governor and local authorities. Meetings for 
worship, on first and fifth-days, were regularly held on board the 
vessel during their stay, which several persons usually attended. 
Some particulars of their engagements during their stay, will be 
found in the following extracts. The deplorable situation of some 
of the aboriginal inhabitants, is thus described : 

Twelfth month 23d. " After dinner, we landed on an uninhab- 
ited part of the coast, on the north side of the harbour, to obtain 
sufficient exercise ; and accidentally met with an aboriginal fami- 
ly, consisting of two females, one of them far advanced in years, 
and three children, the offspring of the younger woman. There 
were two men not far off, who belonged to them, but they kept 
aloof These women appeared to be in a poor state of health, and 
exceedingly shrunk : they could talk a little English, and on our 
making them some trifling presents, and saying that some of us 

5 



46 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

would see them again, if they should be there to-morrow, one of 
them said, ' You welcome, come.' It was affecting to behold the 
degraded condition of these natives of the soil. The state of these 
poor creatures has been rendered abundantly more miserable and 
unhappy, since the English have taken possession of their country, 
from the introduction of vices to which they were before strangers ; 
particularly the use of spirituous liquors. 

Twelfth month 24th. "We sent some biscuit to the native 
family on the north side of the bay, by the mate and my son 
Charles, who saw two other families of these people in the course 
of their excursion. Their debased condition is greater than can 
well be conceived, and such as to render every attempt to assist 
them fruitless : if money is handed to them, it is immediately ex- 
changed for rum; or if clothes, they are forthwith sold or ex- 
changed for whatever will procure strong drink ; such is the curse 
entailed upon them since their acquaintance with the British, who 
are doubtless chargeable, not only on this score, but for much of 
the demoralization and degradation of these harmless people. 

Twelfth month 26th. " This morning we received a visit from 
WiUiam Pascoe Crook, one of the missionaries that first went to 
Tahiti, in the ship Duff, many years ago. The letters he had very 
recently received from the Society Islands, enabled him to com- 
municate much interesting intelligence, some of which, was of an 
encouraging nature, although many mournful facts were at the 
same time related in them. A young man accompanied William 
Pascoe Crook on board the ' Henry Freeling,' the son of a mis- 
sionary, who was contemporary with him in the ship Duff." 

Having been on shore in the evening, Daniel Wheeler remarks, 

" On returning towards the boat, we were abruptly thanked by 
a negro for what we had done for their colour. At first, we did 
not understand what he meant, but soon found he was alluding to 
the exertions of our Society for the ' total abolition of slavery*' 
He had come from the Mauritius, on his way home to Jamaica, 
and was waiting for a ship bound for Europe, or America, in order 
to get thither. Although the aboUtion of slavery could never have 
been effected, but through Divine interposition, yet it was pleasant 
to find that any of the instruments employed in the work were re- 
membered with sensations of gratitude. 

Twelfth month 27th. " At ten o'clock, A. M., we called upon 
the Colonial Secretary, who accompanied us to the Government 
House. We were kindly received by the governor. Sir Richard 
Bourke, who being informed that James Backhouse was desirous 
to visit the penal settlement upon Norfolk Island, readily gave his 
consent, at the same time saying, that no person was ordinarily 
allowed to go there; but under present circumstances there would 
be no objection. He lamented the low state of religion and mo- 
rality upon that island. The account of the prisoners there, as 
furnished by Dr. Marshall, of the Alligator sloop of war, is truly 



i 



DANIEL WHEELER. 47 

deplorable and affecting. About one thousand persons reside upon 
the island. When I first understood that it was the intention of 
our dear friend, James Backhouse, to pay an early visit to the set- 
tlement upon that island, I shrunk at the thought of going thither : 
a feeling which was, I believe, induced principally by the desire 
of hastening to Tahiti, without any further sacrifice of time. But, 
as the subject dwelt with weight upon my mind, and as I abode 
under it, without consulting any one, I had a clear and lively im- 
pression, that if I gave up to conveying our dear friends, James 
Backhouse and George Washington Walker to Norfolk Island, my 
beloved friends in England would unite in this measure, when all 
the circumstances of the case were made known and considered. 
I became willing to inform the governor that I proposed to convey 
them in the ' Henry Freeling,' but not until he had made the in- 
quiry how they were to get there, as no vessels are allowed to 
touch at that island, except those belonging to the government, 
which are but few in number, and seldom go thither, and none of 
them were about to sail at the present juncture. It is therefore 
presumed, that ample time will be afforded to our friends, if con- 
veyed there by the ' Henry Freeling,' to perform what service may 
be called for at their hands, and be ready to return to New South 
Wales by the first government vessel which may arrive after their 
landing; or it maybe, by the second, as duty may demand, or 
longer tarriance become needful. Before leaving the governer, we 
had an assurance that proper documents and private signals should 
be furnished by the Colonial Office, to enable us to approach Nor- 
folk Island without difficulty. An allowance of the usual rations 
for the subsistence of our friends during their residence at that set- 
tlement, was also mentioned. Since I have given up to convey our 
friends to Norfolk Island, my mind has been peaceful and easy, and 
the way has opened with clearness, circumstances at once consol- 
ing and confirming. This island is no great distance out of our 
regular course to Tahiti, and bears from hence about east and by 
north half-north, distant less than one thousand miles. 

Twelfth month 30th. " At noon we received a visit from Samuel 
C. Marsden, who has been connected wdth this colony, in and out, 
more than forty years, as a church missionary. He has been six 
times in New Zealand, and speaks highly in favour of its enterpris- 
ing inhabitants, with whom he has so frequently resided in peace 
and safety, and amongst whom, he would have no fear whatever 
of dwelling again, if occasion required it. His great experience 
in these parts, venerable grey hairs — the plainness and simplicity of 
his manners, and the abundant store of authentic information he 
possesses, made his company not only edifying but animating."* 

It appears that our friends had, during their stay, several visits 



* This devoted servant of Christ is since deceased ; he died on the 12th of the fifth month 
of the present year. (1838.) 



48 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

from this interesting individual, as also from some other pious char- 
acters, several of whom were occupying prominent stations in dif- 
ferent religious societies. 

First month 7th, 1835. " Having at times for the last two or 
three days, felt my mind drawn towards holding a public meeting 
with the inhabitants of Sidney, and dear James Backhouse unex- 
pectedly inquiring whether I had thought any thing of such a meet- 
ing, I felt a wilHngness to unite with him in the freedom of the Gos- 
pel, to appoint one, and to take the necessary steps to procure a 
suitable place to hold it in." 

The old court-house was obtained, and the meeting held at six 
o'clock in the evening of the 11th of First month, which appears to 
have been a satisfactory and relieving opportunity : respecting 
which Daniel Wheeler thus writes : — 

" Notv/ithstanding another meeting was to be held under the same 
roof at seven o'clock, appointed by a Baptist preacher, yet we had 
the satisfaction to witness a crowded attendance at ours, of nearly 
five hundred persons ; and many that could not be seated, went 
away altogether, but a large number stood the whole time : perhaps 
from the novelty of its being the first meeting of Friends for public 
worship held at Sidney, and we hope, on the part of many, from a 
desire to be benefitted, the room was presently filled. Several pre- 
sent, were persons who held public stations in the town and neigh- 
bourhood. It was upon the whole, from beginning to end, a solid 
opportunity : James Backhouse and myself were largely opened in 
testimony amongst them. James Backhouse appeared a second 
time, and concluded the meeting in prayer. From the quietness 
and solemnity which reigned throughout the whole time, of the 
meeting, it might have been supposed that the congregation assem- 
bled, consisted wholly of persons accustomed to stillness and silence, 
instead of an audience, of which scarcely an individual had ever 
before been present at a Friends' meeting, or was even aware of 
the manner in which they are usually conducted. But the glory 
was and is the Lord's." 

The following third-day, the 13th, James Backhouse and himself, 
by invitation, paid a visit to the governor at his house at Parramatta, 
on which he remarks, " However humiliating such visits may be to 
myself, they may have a tendency to promote the great work, and 
open the way in the minds of those in power, to contribute to its 
furtherance, and this brings into a willingness to be held up as a 
spectacle before men for the Great Name's sake. But on such oc- 
casions, great circumspection and watchfulness are increasingly 
needful, lest any of our testimonies should be let fall or compro- 
mised, and the enemy have to exult in the loss we sustain." It ap- 
pears there were present several pubUc functionaries, mihtary offi- 
cers, &c., together with the son of the lieutenant governor of Van 
Diemen's Land. Daniel Wheeler adds : " It was ascertained, whilst 
on this visit, that it is in contemplation to build a large hospital for 



DANIEL WHEELER. 49 

insane persons in the neighbourhood, which afTorded an opportu- 
nity for James Backhouse to furnish the governor with ' Samuel 
Tuke's Account of the Retreat,' and with his pamphlet, entitled, 
* Practical hints ;' both these contain important information, highly- 
needful for those about to establish such an institution." 

The following extracts respecting the ship's company, from 
Daniel Wheeler's later letters, give proof of their continued sta- 
bility. 

First month 21st. " I have found the advantage of placing our 
sailors upon rather a different, and more respectable footing than 
those of other ships, and the result has been, so far, that we have 
had comparatively no trouble with them. It is so common a thing 
for the shipping to lose their men here, that a few days ago, the 
question was put to me by General Bourke, the governor, ' Have 
you lost any of your men?' and it is satisfactory to know, that 
some of the strangers who have attended our meetings on board, 
have, in more than one instance, remarked, (as if of rare occur- 
rence,) that our sailors look more like healthy, fresh-faced farmers, 
than men come off a long voyage : the generality of those we see 
daily, have a thin and worn-down appearance, particularly when 
they belong to ships that supply them daily with ardent spirits; 
while our sailors have each a quart of beer per day, of weak qua- 
lity, being brewed, as is customary here, with only sugar and hops, 
both of which are very cheap." 

Daniel Wheeler adds : " I found it advisable to keep up a desire 
in the crew to make themselves acquainted with the art of navi- 
gation, and this could not be done without their being furnished 
with materials for its accomplishment, such as quadrants, slates, 
pens, paper, &c. ; and though the expense of such things ulti- 
mately devolves upon themselves, yet, at the moment of purchase, 
the advance of money has been unavoidable on my part." 

It is highly satisfactory and encouraging to find by letters from 
time to time received, that the seaman who was so powerfully ar- 
rested by conviction of the error of his ways, continues to maintain 
his integrity, conducts himself with propriety, and has recently at- 
tended their meetings. 

Second month 4th. " The Metcalf, Captain Phillimore, unex- 
pectedly intending to sail to-morrow, I hasten to close this third 
series of extracts from my Journal, although only transcribed to 
the 12th ult., as there are several other ships, which will be shortly 
ready for sea, and it will be better not to risk too much in one 
vessel." 

On the 26th of the Ninth month, letters to the 4th of Third 
month, and extracts from the Journal of Daniel Wheeler, to the 
20th of Second month, 1835, were received, from which it ap- 
pears, that during their stay at Sidney, they had several opportu- 
nities of conversation with a number of persons of different reli- 
gious persuasions, and were also frequently in the company of 

5* 



50 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

members of the government. On the 27th of First month, they 
had an interview v^ith the governor, and another on the 12th 
of Second month, when on the point of sailing, principally on the 
subject of the visit to Norfolk Island, in which a kind feeling to- 
wards our friends was manifested. Whilst they were at Sidney, a 
Temperance Society was established, as also one for the education 
of children on the British and Foreign School Society's system. 
Our friends were detained there longer than they anticipated, the 
principal cause of which, the following extracts, &c., will explain. 

First month 27th, (third-day,) Daniel Wheeler writes : " For 
the last three or four days I have been in a low and stripped sit- 
uation ; and while anxious to be getting on our way towards the 
islands, could not come to any decision and clearness sufficient to 
enable me to fix the time for our sailing. This morning, dear 
James Backhouse asked me if I had felt any thing as to another 
public meeting with the inhabitants of Sidney." This subject oc- 
cupied their close and serious consideration, when they unitedly 
agreed that one should be appointed to be held the following first- 
day evening, as the most suitable time, and that extensive notice 
should be given thereof. Daniel Wheeler adds : " I felt relieved, and 
willing to take a share with him in that exercise of mind, which, 
with me, at all times, precedes a prospect of such magnitude and 
importance." 

The old court-house was again procured, and the meeting held 
at six o'clock on the evening of the following first-day, the 1st of 
Second month, which was as numerously attended as the former 
one, and proved a relieving opportunity. 

Under date of 4th of Second month, {fourth-day,) Daniel 
Wheeler writes : " As James Backhouse has for a day or two 
been under no small concern of mind from an apprehension that 
an attempt must be made to collect the sailors of the fleet now in 
Sidney, at this time very considerable ; and as this is not likely to 
be accomplished but on 2i first-day ; there seems now no probability 
of our proceeding towards Norfolk Island during the present week. 
The crews of the ships had not wholly escaped the notice of my 
mind, for several days previous to James Backhouse mentioning 
the subject to me, but not in any manner as of pressing obligation 
towards seeking a religious opportunity with this class of the peo- 
ple exclusively, but yet sufficient to raise a feeling of unity with 
him in the engagement. Upon inquiry, it seemed to be the gene- 
ral opinion that meetings were mostly best attended by sailors 
when held on board of ship ; application was thereupon made to 
Captain John Hart, of the ship * Henry Porcher,' who readily 
granted the use of that vessel's deck for the intended purpose, in 
the forenoon of the following j^?'5^c?fl!?/." The meeting was held ac- 
cordingly on the 8th of Second month, and was attended by about 
130 persons, on which Daniel Wheeler thus writes: "James Back- 
house was largely engaged both in testimony and supplication. 



k 



DANIEL WHEELER. 51 

It was my lot to keep silence, although I could spiritually unite in 
the labours of the day, under a sense of the states of some in par- 
ticular, of those by whom we were surrounded. After the meet- 
ing had concluded, a large number of Friends' tracts, and those 
of the Temperance Society, were distributed, and received with 
eagerness as the company returned to their boats." 



CHAPTER IV. 

Sail from Sidney — meetings on ship board — arrive off Norfolk Island — parting with James 
Backhouse and George Washington Walker — sail for the Society Islands — equinoctial 
gale — enter the Torrid Zone — Maitea — arrive at Tahiti — first interview with the natives — 
visit from the king — prohibition of ardent spirits — meeting of the missionaries and natives 
at Papaoa. 

On finally quitting the shore on the 12th of Second month, he 
writes thus : — 

" The day we first landed in New South Wales, we were saluted 
by a most appalling volley of dreadful oaths and imprecations, 
from some of the poor intoxicated creatures, in the garb of sailors, 
that were standing about the stairs; but now, on quitting its shores, 
I am thankful in believing that we have the prayers and good 
wishes of many, however weak and feeble those are who offer 
them ; and I think we can say, that under a deep sense of utter 
unworthiness, on leaving we were ' honoured with many honours,' 
on the part of some." 

They sailed the following morning, and " at noon," he adds, 
" we stretched off the land into the Southern Pacific, with a strong 
opposing wind, which increasing, soon raised a troublesome swell 
of the sea. From the 14th to the 20th, we continued to beat 
against adverse winds, although the weather remained fine for the 
most part. The heat below was oppressive, which kept all our 
passengers but myself in a sickly state for the first four days, 
since which, they have been far from well, as a considerable 
swell of the sea from the north-eastward kept up an incessant 
motion of the vessel." 

The following extract from the Journal of our friend, James 
Backhouse, between Sidney and Norfolk Island, relative to the 
seamen on board the " Henry Freeling," affords satisfactory in- 
formation. 

" It is pleasing to see the seamen of the * Henry Freeling' in- 
structing one another in nautical observations and calculations ; 
the carpenter is a good navigator, and since he became a steady 
man he has taken pleasure in instructing the other sailors, who 
appear to be improving in knowledge and conduct. They strongly 
exemplify the benefit of temperance principles on board ship. They 
are allowed beer when it is to be had, and as much tea, coffee, or 



52 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

cocoa, as they like. There is no swearing to be heard, and the 
men have the appearance of comfort, and spend their leisure in 
improving reading, &c. HappiJy, neither the captain nor mate 
makes a foolish mystery about the course of the vessel, such as is 
common on board many ships, by which the sailors are kept in 
ignorance, to no purpose, unless it be to enable the captain and 
officers to puff themselves up with an unworthy conceit, of know- 
ing more than those under them, and keep the sailors in a state of 
degradation, inimical to good morals and conduct." 

Whilst the foregoing was in the press, further extracts from the 
Journal of our dear friend, Daniel Wheeler, from the 22nd of Se- 
cond month, 1835, to the 13th of Fifth month, and letters to the 
19th of Fifth month, have been received, from which the following 
particulars are extracted: — 

Second month 22nd, 1835. " Yesterday the weather was fine and 
clear, but the wind contrary. Several flying-fish made their appear- 
ance ; an albatros and some smaller birds in the course of the day. 
To-day the weather is still beautifully fine : our invalids pretty much 
restored from sea-sickness, and being the first day of the week, 
portions of the Holy Scriptures were read to the ship's company 
assembled upon the deck. During the time of silence in the morning, 
James Backhouse contrasted and compared the management of a 
ship at sea with the spiritual progress of each individual, showing 
the constant attention at all times necessary, in both cases, in order 
to be enabled to steer a true and steady course towards the great 
object of our voyage, both as regards an earthly and a heavenly 
port. The latter part of the forenoon we sat down together in the 
cabin ; towards the conclusion, I thought I was made sensible of a 
renewal of strength to wrestle for the blessing. 

26th. (Fifth-day.) " In the forenoon we sat down together, in 
the cabin, to wait upon the Lord : much poverty and weakness 
were sensibly felt. The wind still adverse, with considerable swell 
of the sea, but fine and pleasant weather. 

Second month 27th. " At breakfast-time a sail in sight, the first 
vessel that had been seen for fourteen days past. Soon after noon she 
bore down upon us, and came within hail. She proved to be the 
Elizabeth of Sidney, Captain Foster, on a whaHng voyage. 

Third month 1st. {First-day.) " To-day we assembled the crew, 
both in the forenoon and afternoon. James Backhouse alluded to a 
text of Scripture which had been read, ' Except ye eat the flesh of the 
Son of Man, and drink his blood, ye have no Hfe in you,' explain- 
ing the spiritual intercourse and communion of the Holy Spirit with 
the soul of man, and that the blessed partaking of the flesh and 
blood of the Son of Man, ' can be witnessed by those only in whom 
Christ dwells, and they in him,' &c. After dinner the wind became 
more favourable, and gradually increased to a fine breeze. 

Third month 3d. " The wind having continued fresh and fair since 



DANIEL WHEELER. 53 

yesterday, and the sea not heavy, but foUowmg the vessel, the dis- 
tance from Norfolk Island, at noon, v^^as found to be 81 miles. 

4th. {Fourth-day.) " Soon after day break this morning, v^e 
bore up, and made sail to the northv^ard, with a fresh and leading 
wind. At day-light, we got sight of land, and gliding rapidly to- 
wards it. Mount Pitt, on Norfolk Island, and Philip Island, were 
both plainly in sight soon after breakfast. When near enough to 
the Penal Settlement station, we made the private signal, as per 
written instructions, received from the government at Sidney. 
Soon after this, a boat was discovered coming from the shore, in 
the direction of our vessel, which at length arrived with a mili- 
tary officer, who brought us a hearty welcome from the command- 
ant. Major Anderson, accompanied by an invitation to his house. 
On ascertaining that, although the landing was dangerous, it was 
yet practicable in a suitable boat, James Backhouse and George 
Washington Walker concluded to make an attempt to return with 
this officer. When all things were ready, and my letters for Eng- 
land delivered to the care of James Backhouse, we were thus 
hastily and unexpectedly torn from each other, at a short notice ; 
and although time was only affi^rded to take an abrupt farewell, 
yet we all keenly felt the separating moment, but, I trust, with 
feelings that will lastingly remain, through the frequent renewal of 
Divine love. As the boat was not adapted for taking more than 
two or three passengers, it was agreed that upon its reaching the 
shore, if then practicable, a larger boat should be sent off imme- 
diately for the luggage. 

Third month 5th. {Fifth-day) " The boat not reaching us 
yesterday in consequence of rough weather, at an early hour this 
morning we edged down towards the Penal Settlement, and a 
boat was shortly afterwards discovered to be making towards the 
vessel from the shore, which eventually proved to be the convey- 
ance for the luggage of our dear friends; which being safely 
loaded, and a few hues written to James Backhouse, requesting 
him to acknowledge the kindness of the commandant on our be- 
half, the boat put off from the vessel, when we immediately began 
to beat off the coast in earnest, and passing between the islands of 
Nepean and Philip, at ten o'clock, A. M., once more launched 
forth on the capacious bosom of the Southern Pacific. The island 
called Nepean, is little more than a large barren-looking rock, 
but said to abound with rabbits. Philip Island exhibits more fer- 
tility, and is famous for being overrun with hogs. The officer 
that came on board informed us, that a party had been sent from 
the settlement the preceding week over to Philip Island, and had 
succeeded in shooting and returning with eighty of these animals. 
Norfolk Island appears from the offing to be about half the size of 
the Isle of Wight, but richly covered in places with a beautiful 
pine, peculiar to that island, and which we had seen growing in 
the neighbourhood of Sidney, having been transported thither by 



64 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

the governor and other individuals. The valleys abound with 
lemons, limes, grapes, guavas, &c., as per note from James Back- 
house, since landing upon it» 

" For some days previous to making Norfolk Island, my mind 
was at times drawn to consider whether I might not have to land 
upon it myself, and remain a few days, but I believe I may ven- 
ture to say, that I did not in the slightest degree perceive that it 
formed any part of my duty to do so ; neither on receiving the 
commandant's invitation, nor afterwards on an expression of re- 
gret communicated by note from James Backhouse, did any thing 
arise in my heart as if I flinched from that service. His note 
says, * Much regret is expressed that you did not come on shore, 
and I hope if you feel inclined to come, you will yet do so, though 
I do not regret you did not come with us, as we got a surf on our 
backs, and the boat's nose upon a rock : but though thus permitted 
to feel the danger of landing, by the good providence of our mer- 
ciful heavenly Father, we were preserved from further suflfering. 
If we do not see you again before you proceed to Tahiti, I will 
once more bid you farewell in the Lord. May He continue in 
condescending goodness still to be with you, and qualify for every 
good word and work, to His own glory and your peace; and may 
his good Spirit still more and more work into subjection to Him- 
self the shipmen of your vessel, that you may have increasing 
comfort in them.' Having thus been favoured to accomplish the 
landing of our beloved friends and brothers, with their luggage, 
(however much their absence may be felt,) without a detention of 
more than twenty-two hours, the suspense and anxiety with which 
my mind had been filled, from a knowledge of the great uncer- 
tainty and risk which at all times attends such an undertaking, 
where there is no shelter from the surf of the wide ocean, were 
wholly relieved and removed. 

" It being our usual meeting-day, dear Charles and myself sat 
down together in the forenoon, and although stripped indeed as to 
the outward, yet comforted from a sensible evidence that a most 
merciful and gracious Lord remains to be * God over all blessed 
for ever.' 

Third month 8th. (First-day.) " Yesterday the weather con- 
tinued unsettled and showery, and to-day, the wind contrary, but 
with fresh gales and clear weather. We read portions of the 
Holy Scriptures twice in the course of the day, in the cabin, as 
the state of the weather and a heavy swell of the sea prevented 
our assembhng upon deck. At sun-set we fell in with a shoal oi 
spermaceti whales, one of the largest in sight passed by the side 
of our vessel, at a distance of ten or twelve yards. This fish 
would contain about fifty barrels of oil. There were at least 
twenty of them within a small compass around the ' Henry Free- 
Hng,' which it is probable formed but a small part of the shoal. 

10th. {Third-day.) " Since leaving Norfolk Island, but more 



DANIEL WHEELER. 55 

particularly within the last three or four days, it has been to me at 
times a trying, proving season of muph strippedness and poverty 
every way. The loss of the company of our dear friends, with 
whom we had been pretty closely and sweetly connected for more 
than five months, either by sea or land, the steady opposition of 
the winds since we separated, the great distance we have yet to 
go, the advanced state of the season, towards the autumn in these 
regions ; and yet above all, the absence of Him in whom my soul 
delighteth, combined to weigh down and oppress my poor, tossed 
mind, beyond the usual degree towards nothingness and abasement 
of self. But in the depths, although unable to draw nigh, I en- 
deavoured to look towards the Holy Temple ; I remembered the 
Lord, and my prayer was, I trust, permitted to come in unto Him; 
and He remembered a poor unworthy creature, and in his own 
way and time, was graciously pleased to speak comfort, and to 
seal instruction. The affecting instance of the dear Son of God 
himself was brought to my remembrance, < who was made sin for 
us, who knew no sin,' and died, ' the just for the unjust, that he 
might bring us to God,' when, in the very act of child-like and 
lamb-like obedience, and meek submission to his Holy Father's 
will, from the extreme depth and weight of suffering upon Him 
for the sins of poor, lost, guilty man. He poured forth the ago- 
nizing query, * My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me V 
and I am renewedly persuaded that these trials, and proving bap- 
tisms, are all in unutterable and inconceivable love and mercy dis- 
pensed for the preservation of that precious life which is hid with 
Christ in God. 

Third month 15th. "Assembled the crew together twice in the 
day, for devotional purposes, it being first-day. During the latter 
part of the interval of silence in the afternoon, petitions were 
raised in my heart to the Throne of Grace, for the best welfare 
of our little company. A whole year has now passed away since 
we sailed from the Mother-bank, and although more than seven 
months of that time have been spent upon the mighty deep, and 
with the exception of a few transient intervals, out of sight of land 
altogether, yet such is the boundless and unmerited mercy of Him 
with whom we have to do, that if the question were asked, ' Lack- 
est thou any thing V * Nothing, Lord,' would immediately be re- 
sponded. 

Third month 16th. " This afternoon we were in the latitude of 
Cartes Island, Macauley's Rock, and several others of recent dis- 
covery, extending from this latitude northward for more than 200 
miles, and some of them level with the surface of the sea ; there- 
fore at six o'clock, P. M., we tacked, and stood to the southward, 
rather than risk being driven too near such treacherous neighbours. 

Fourth month 1st. "By nine o'clock last night, the wind be- 
came quite fair, but in a short time it began to blow strong, and 
the sea rose so rapidly, that at midnight we again hove to, under 



56 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

Strong storm-sails. As the mercury continued gradually to lower 
in the tube, and the storm to increase with appalling violence, there 
now seemed no doubt but an equinoctial gale had overtaken our 
often-tried little bark. It raged with great fury throughout the 
night, and returning day seemed only to increase its strength. At 
noon the sea wrought in an awful manner, and frequently the white 
crests of the mountain billows were carried off by the sweeping 
and irresistiblie tempest, and uniting together flew in one continued 
mass of drift several yards above the rugged surface, with incredi- 
ble force. Yet on this, as well as on former occasions, the Divine 
Arm of everlasting love and strength was not only near for our 
support, to compass us about as with a shield, but mercifully to 
overshadow us with a canopy of peaceful resignation. Not a sea 
was permitted to injure our vessel, and even the weaker part of 
her upper works remained unbroken through it all. How correct 
is the animating declaration of the Psalmist, < The Lord sitteth on 
the flood ; the Lord sitteth King for ever.' And is it not encour- 
agingly verified ? * The Lord will give strength unto his people :' 
those that fear, love, honour, and obey Him, these are his people, 
and ' the Lord will bless his people with peace.' 

Fourth month 15th. " Fresh and favourable gales, we made 
great progress, and to all appearance, the wind we had been so 
long expecting was fairly set in, and we were once more venturing 
to look forward to a termination for a time, of our * perils by sea.' 
But the pleasant anticipation was shortly afterwards disappointed, 
by its being ascertained that from our present position a dangerous 
reef lay directly across our path, which at the rate we were sail- 
ing we should probably get close upon by the setting sun. As the 
sea was running pretty heavy it seemed doubtful whether we could 
pass to the southward of this reef, it was therefore concluded best, 
as suggested by my Charles, that our course should be forthwith 
altered sufficiently to insure our passing it in safety to leeward, 
which was accordingly done. As the exact position of this reef 
cannot be fully relied on, any more than that of our vessel, owing 
to the clouded state of the atmosphere of late, we seem to have no 
outward prop to lean upon through the cheerless gloom of dark- 
ness ; but we well know there is a Power almighty and all-merci- 
ful, whose compassionate eye never slumbers. 

Fourth month 23d. {Fifth-day.) " At two o'clock, P. M. yesterday 
we passed the tropic of Capricorn, and entered the torrid zone. The 
latitude at noon was 23° 38 south. By lunar distance, well taken 
this morning, the longitude was found to be 142° 36 west. The 
latitude of Tahiti 17° 29 south, longitude 149° 28 west. As the 
wind now blows, our being so far to the eastward is an advantage, 
in making it completely fair for us. 

27th inst. " Yesterday, though heavy rain fell near us through- 
out the day, we were not prevented from assembling in the usual 
manner twice in the course of it, it being first-day. At noon to-day, 



DANIEL WHEELER, 57 

the island of Mailea was distant fifty miles. It would have been 
relieving to have come within sight of this island before dark, but 
although the horizon was pretty clear at sun-set in that direction, 
it could not be distinguished from the mast-head. Many birds have 
been daily with us latterly, a fact which strongly indicates our ap- 
proach to land ; and the course which these take for their evening 
flight, speaks in plain language where it lies. 

Fourth month 28th. " At day-break this morning, Maitea was in 
sight, but the wind being light and fickle through the day, it was night- 
fall before we had fairly passed it by. The island is now used as 
a penal settlement for Tahiti, to which notorious characters are 
banished by the queen. JL.ast evening a sufficient number of albi- 
coas and bonitos were caught by the sailors, to furnish the whole 
of us throughout the day with fresh meals ; and as it was more 
than six weeks since we had had one, they proved very acceptable. 

" This morning, 29th of Fourth month, about half-past one o'clock, 
the mountains of the long-looked-for Tahiti, were discovered through 
the gloom upon our lee-bow. It will be eleven weeks to-morrow 
since we left Sidney, and with the exception of the equinoctial gale, 
we have during the voyage, for the most part, been favoured with 
fine weather, but with an unheard-of proportion (for these seas) of 
contrary winds during nearly the whole time, completely setting at 
naught all former supposed experience. After leaving Norfolk Island 
we traversed from twenty-nine to forty degrees of south latitude, in 
the hope of finding the westerly winds, which usually prevail, to waft 
us to the eastward ; but could never meet with them to any pur- 
pose, and since we entered the trade latitudes, to this day we have 
been in constant expectation of meeting with the south-east trade- 
winds, to enable us to fetch the island of Tahiti, and have in this 
been equally unsuccessful We have, however, after traversing 
various zigzag courses over more than 5000 miles of ocean, by the 
log, since leaving Sidney, been guided to a hair's breadth, in so 
remarkable a manner, as to get the first sight of the island when 
nearly dark, the moon not being twelve hours old at the time. The 
darkness and the light are both alike to Him, who hath been with 
us, to bless and preserve us ; enabling us in degree to ' glory in 
tribulation,' and to bear even privation for his name's sake, with 
peaceful resignation, and not worthy of being recounted, because 
of the love, and peace, and joy, which at seasons have been our 
happy portion. 

Fourth month 30th. "At noon passed through Matavai bay. A ca- 
noe with four of the natives came off" to us, bringing oranges, guavas, 
and other kinds of fruit, which we purchased, after much bargain- 
ing, for a hank of thread, and three small needles to each individ- 
ual, although the price they first asked was a dollar for each basket ; 
there were five baskets of fruit. We were all pleased with the 
openness and simplicity of these people. At 2 o'clock, P. M., we 
took Jemmy the pilot on board, and immediately entered the chan- 

6 



58 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

nel within the reefs, but after getting through the most dangerous 
part, it fell calm, which obliged us to drop an anchor for the night, 
directly opposite the house of George Bicknell, so close to the shore 
that a mooring hawser was made fast to one of his cocoanut-trees. 
By this time our deck was covered with the natives. Just as we 
were ready to go on shore to take tea at George Bicknell's, (to 
whom, as deputy consul, the mail brought from New South Wales 
had been delivered,) the young king (or perhaps it is more correct 
to say, the husband of the queen) came on board, with his younger 
brother and uncle, and several others; they behaved with great 
openness and cheerfulness, and seemed highly pleased to see us. 
Our captain was personally known to them already. They soon 
looked round the vessel, apparently delighted, left us a basket of 
oranges, and said they would come again to-morrow. To my great 
rejoicing, the pilot soon after coming on board, informed us (offi- 
cially) of the disuse of ardent spirits altogether, by saying, * Rum 
is no good here.' The total prohibition of spirituous liquors has 
been so strongly enforced, that they have taken them out of private 
houses, without exception, and thrown them away ; and the natives 
have carried it to the length of smelling the breath of people, to 
ascertain whether it had been used, and, if found to be the case, a 
severe fine was imposed ; so that a person well known to lead a 
thoroughly sober hfe was not allowed to have such a thing in his 
possession, but was hable at any time to undergo a search. 

Fifth month 1st. {Sixth-day.) " At day-break the pilot came on 
board, and the breeze being favourable, the vessel was got ready, 
and run gently down to Papeete Harbour ; the water was so clear, 
that the beautifully spreading branches of coral could be plainly 
distinguished as we passed over the most shallow parts of the reef. 
About nine o'clock, A. M., we took up our station in a well-shel- 
tered cove or harbour, surrounded by straggling houses, and planta- 
tions of the cocoanut-tree, banana, bread-fruit, orange, and sugar 
cane, ranging along the edge of the sea, on the level land at the 
foot of the mountains. In the forenoon. Dr. Vaughan came on 
board, who had recently arrived in a whaling vessel from London, 
and George Pritchard, the resident missionary, soon after. For 
George Pritchard, we were bearers of many letters and parcels, 
which proved very acceptable. In the afternoon, we visited his ha- 
bitation, and were kindly received by his wife and family. George 
Pritchard very kindly inquired whether I wished to be at the wor- 
ship of the Tahitians, next first-day, but I informed him that I be- 
lieved it would be best for me to be with my own crew on that day. 

" Having endeavoured to keep my mind exercised to ascertain 
the will of my Lord and Master, it was with me to tell him that 
the first step which I had to take, was to request a conference with 
the whole of the missionaries in this district ; asking him if they 
had any stated times for meeting together by themselves ; he said 
they had, but a special meeting could be convened for the occasion. 



i 



DANIEL WHEELER. 59 

On considering a little, he found that their next quarterly meeting 
in regular course was to be held the second week in the present 
month. As the month was already come in, I thought it would be 
unreasonable to subject the parties to the inconvenience of meeting 
on purpose, as their own meeting would still necessarily have to be 
held on the appointed day, m_ore especially as I had several affairs 
to regulate, and preparation to make, to enable us to barter for sup- 
plies, &c. At present, I see no further than to attend this confer- 
ence, and there produce the certificates furnished by my dear friends 
in England, humbly trusting, that the path of my future proceeding 
will be graciously manifested in due time, and strength and percep- 
tion mercifully afforded to enable me to walk faithfully in it. 

" I had been unwell on the 12th inst., but having passed a more 
favourable night, on the morning of the 13th inst. I felt no hesita- 
tion about proceeding to Papaoa, as the day was fair overhead. 
George Pritchard called with a boat, to take Charles and myself 
with him, he finding three natives to row, and myself two. 

" Having understood that on the present occasion, the principal 
chiefs from all parts of the island would be there, and a large mus- 
ter of the inhabitants, residing in this district, it occurred to my 
mind that it would be a favourable medium, through which my 
arrival might be publicly announced to all the distant districts, if at 
a suitable time my certificates should be read. On mentioning this 
to George Pritchard, and showing him the translation so kindly 
made before I left London by William Ellis, he at once saw the 
propriety, but said, it would be necessary to consult Henry Nott, 
the senior missionary resident at Papaoa, George Pritchard himself 
being a junior : this was a matter of course, and had I been aware 
of the distinction, I should myself have proposed it. From the 
wind having sprang up a fresh breeze against us, we were rather 
late in reaching our destination, and Henry Nott had taken his seat 
in the meeting before we got to it. We followed George Pritchard 
through a large number of people that were already assembled, 
until we got up to Henry Nott, who, on being consulted, immedi- 
ately consented that it should be done, when their service was over. 
We then took our seats, having kept on our hats until that moment : 
but the heat of the cHmate renders it too oppressive to keep them 
on for any great length of time. We heard of no remark, how- 
ever, having been made on this head, whatever might have been 
thought. They commenced by George Pritchard giving out a 
hymn, then part of the Epistle to the Ephesians was read, after 
which George Pritchard kneeled down and prayed ; another hymn 
was then sung ; after this Charles Wilson preached a long sermon 
from a text out of the same epistle ; when this was finished, ano- 
ther hymn was given out, at his request, and he afterwards finished 
with prayer. Some business then came on relating to the affairs 
of the Missionary Society, when the island queen took her seat as 
its President. We merely sat as silent spectators through the whole 



60 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

of this, which from beginning to end was conducted in the Tahi- 
tian language. As only George Pritchard sat between myself and 
the queen, I observed that she was employed in reading my certi- 
ficates, which had been previously laid upon the table. The whole 
of my certificates were then audibly read in the Tahitian language, 
by George Pritchard, who took great pains to give ample explana- 
tion whenever needful. The marked attention and solidity of coun- 
tenance manifested by the wondering Tahitians, was both striking 
and comforting ; and the solemnity which spread over this large 
assembly had previously covered my mind as with a mantle, con- 
triting my spirit under a sense, that the great Master himself was 
there. After the reading of the certificates was gone through, pro- 
found silence reigned. I asked if I might say a few words, which 
was at once permitted, and George Pritchard agreed to interpret 
between me and the people. I requested him just to repeat what 
I said, and I have reason to believe this was faithfully done ; and 
was to the best of my recollection after this manner : * I have no 
wish to trespass upon the time of this meeting. I was desirous 
that these documents or certificates might be read, which would 
account for a stranger being present, and inform all that I came 
not here in my own will, but in the will of my Lord and Master, 
whose I am, and whom I desire to serve to my latest breath ; and 
would also let you know that I came with the full unity and consent 
of that branch of the Christian Church in England, of which I am a 
member. And now, Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Fa- 
ther, and our Lord Jesus Christ, be multiplied upon all the inhab- 
itants of this land ; and may the God of peace, who brought again 
from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, 
through the blood of the everlasting covenant, keep our hearts and 
minds,' &c. 

"After I sat down, a solemn silence again prevailed, until one 
of the natives, a supreme Judge, broke it by addressing me by 
name, which he had caught from the certificates, and declaring on 
behalf of himself and the islanders, that the manner of my coming 
among them was very satisfactory, because what had been read 
and spoken, was in accordance with the Gospel, which they had 
been taught, and were acquainted with. He also at considerable 
length touched upon the great distance I had come over the deep 
waters to see them, and to do them good : that, in return, their 
hearts, and arms, and habitations, in effect, were open to receive 
me ; duly appreciating the purity and disinterestedness of the mo- 
tive that had induced the step : having no trade, nor other object 
in view. He hoped I should visit all their schools, and stroke the 
heads of the children ; that he should now deliver them all into 
my hands. I told George Pritchard to say, that the dear children 
would always have a strong hold, and a strong claim upon my 
heart. Much more transpired that was truly consoHng and com- 
forting ; and the missionaries who spoke on the occasion, I truly 



DANIEL WHEELER. 61 

believe, most fully and cordially co-operated in endeavouring to 
explain my views to the people in terms of strong approbation. 

" Although the above may not be exactly verbatim, it is the sub- 
stance of what passed. When it was all over, Henry Nott kneel- 
ed down and concluded the meeting with prayer in the Tahitian. 
The natives then generally rose from their seats, and began to 
flock around us, and to shake hands with Charles and myself in a 
very hearty manner, and without regard to order, age, or sex, 
from the humble peasant to the bronze-coloured queen, her two 
aunts, and the numerous chiefs, who, I think, are the stoutest, most 
giant-like men I ever saw assembled together. About 800 persons 
were collected at this meeting ; but the house was so extensive, 
that it seemed impossible to make any accurate estimate ; for my 
own part, I should have supposed the number not less than a thou- 
sand. The judge before spoken of, in one of his speeches, (for he 
spoke three times,) hinted, that they perceived I was not exactly 
of the same description of Christians that had hitherto come 
amongst them, or I belonged to a different body. This, however, 
did not seem to stand in the way. Some days previously to this 
meeting being held, the young king and several chiefs came on 
board to breakfast, six in number. After breakfast, our usual read- 
ing in the Holy Scriptures was introduced, during whjch they be- 
haved with great attention and propriety; they sat as still, in the. 
time of silence, both then and at the pause before breakfast, as if 
accustomed to it. When they were about going away, a telescope, 
and a piece of handkerchiefs were presented to the King, and a 
shawl to each of the others, with which they seemed highly pleased. 
Through the medium of an Englishman, who had been sent for on 
the occasion, the king was told, that I had something in reserve 
for Pomare, the queen, expecting she also would pay us a visit. 
They behaved with much openness and affability, and told us in 
plain terms that they liked us, because we were like themselves, 
and did not make ourselves very high to them. 

" I had a conference with the missionaries of the Papaoa dis- 
trict, who, although only four in number, are capable of rendering 
me much assistance in forwarding my views, and interpreting to 
the people. I was fully aware the missionaries were under an 
impression, that I was come out to inspect the state of the missions, 
and particularly that of the schools ; private letters had reached 
them some months ago to that effect from London ; but they were 
informed that now the missionary meeting was over, I was wait- 
ing as at the posts of wisdom's gate, not knowing to what I might 
next have to turn my hand: this explanation at once placed me in 
a fresh point of view. An expression of desire to do all in their 
power to co-operate in the work in any manner I could point out, 
was, I think, avowed by each individual, and we parted in brother- 
Iv love." 

6* 



62 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 



CHAPTER V. 

Tahiti — visit of chie& — the young king — meeting for sailors — distribution of tracts, Bibles, &c . 
— temperance ships — introduction of ardent spirits — -visit to the schools — attend the native 
meeting — visiters on board — John Davies — meeting on board — importance of translating 
and circulating the Scriptures — Tahitian council — native meeting. 

Tahiti, 14th of Fifth month, 1835. "This morning, Tahtee 
and his brother, two of the principal chiefs, and truly great in 
stature, with a grand-daughter of the former, came on board at 
breakfast-time, bringing with them another person of note. They 
partook of our meal, and staid over our usual reading in the 
Scriptures; during which, and in the time of silence, they be- 
haved in a solid manner. These are the most elderly chiefs that 
we have seen, and perhaps the oldest upon the island ; and they 
are said to be the principal support of the present government. 
They had been on board once before, but it being late in the 
evening, they did not stay long. I put a small cotton dress upon 
the child, and presented a shawl to each of the great men. They 
invited us to come with the vessel to Mairi Pehe, where they re- 
side, and on leaving seemed well satisfied with their visit. It being 
fifth-day, Charles and myself endeavoured to wait upon the Lord, 
but under feelings oppressively languid from the heat. 

15th. " My mind having for some days past been brought into 
thoughtful sohcitude for the best welfare of the crews of the vessels 
now lying at anchor about us, I mentioned it to my Charles soon 
after rising this morning ; and seeing no way of being clear of 
the blood of these poor neglected people, but by appointing a pub- 
lic meeting, to be held next frst-day, it was concluded to make 
the necessary arrangements for so doing. There was no doubt 
but the deck of one of the whaling vessels might have been pro- 
cured for the intended purpose ; but on considering the subject, it 
seemed best to have the deck of the ' Henry Freeling' made use 
of, lest umbrage should be taken by the English sailors if the 
meeting was held on board an American vessel; or by the Ameri- 
can sailors if held on board an EngHsh one, in the same calling ; 
both parties considering our own as employed on very different 
grounds from any other in the bay, might thus be accommodated. 
There were six American whalers, and one trading vessel, all 
large and well manned, in the bay ; and only one English whaler, 
the ' Rover,' of London. 

" I stepped on shore to inquire whether the eleventh hour, next 
first-day, would interfere with any arrangements the missionaries 
might have made; that the work of neither party might be mar- 
red, and that nothing on our part might appear as done in a cor- 
ner. On learning at George Pritchard's, that nothing would clash 
if our meeting was held at that hour, and having invited him or 



DANIEL WHEELER. 63 

any part of his family to attend it, we returned immediately on 
board, and were soon after visited by a serious and respectable 
person, who had been sent out in 1825, by the London Mission- 
ary Society, to teach the natives the art of spinning, weaving, &c. 

" The young king and his brother came on board in a private 
capacity, their visit was much more agreeable than when attended 
by several of the principal chiefs. They staid dinner, and re- 
mained on board several hours. The simple habits, and gentle, 
unassuming manner of this young man, do not appear at present 
to be hable to alter from his having become the husband of. the 
queen. The amiable disposition he possesses, and which cannot 
be concealed, at once renders him an object of general esteem. 
He has evidently acquired considerable polish from the intercourse 
with foreigners, of which he does not fail to avail himself at every 
opportunity; and although from this circumstance, his manners 
are much more civilized than those of his countrymen ; yet now 
and then, the wild nature of a South Sea Islander shows 
itself. They brought us some fine bunches of oranges, the largest 
of which contained eleven in a cluster, and the smallest seven. A 
sliding knife and fork were presented to each, also a three-bladed 
knife and a penknife. Shortly after these guests had left us, a 
chief, by name Paofai, residing near Point Venus, came on board, 
and made signs that he wished to read my certificates, which were 
accordingly furnished for his perusal in the Polynesian language, 
although he could speak more English than any we have yet met 
with. He is considered a great man, and he was more modest 
in behaviour than any we have yet seen of his stamp; having 
observed, while he read the certificate, that his sight was impair- 
ed, I presented him with a pair of spectacles ; at the same time 
a pocket-handkerchief and a small hatchet were given him ; upon 
which he said he had no money to pay for them. Such an honest 
confession we had not before met with, nor with any person who 
mentioned payment for what they received. He left us with an 
acknowledgment of the kindness with which he had j^een treated, 
and I believe both parties were satisfied with the interview. In 
the evening, we were engaged in writing notices of the public 
meeting, intended to be held next first-day. 

16th. "After breakfast, my Charles went to distribute the writ- 
ten notices amongst the shipping. In the forenoon a quantity of 
tracts were selected, and parcelled in readiness for distribution at 
the close of the meeting to morrow. 

17th. {First-day.) " In the morning the prospect before us was 
rather gloomy. There had been rain in the night, and soon after 
daylight the 'Mariner' whaling v^essel put to sea; thus the seamen 
on board of her were prevented from attending the meeting : but 
I thought there was no reason why they should be deprived of 
their share of the tracts, which had been got ready for distribu- 
tion the day before. As the wind was light, there was no diffi- 



64 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

culty in overtaking her before she got outside of the reef. Our 
mate was accordingly despatched in good time, and succeeded in 
handing them on board. They were received with civihty, and 
the requested appUcation of them promised. By the accommoda- 
tion of some planks kindly provided by the * Emerald,' our decks 
were extensively seated, and the planks were well covered with 
canvass, spare flags, &c. 

"At half-past ten o'clock a bethel-flag, with which we have been 
furnished, was hoisted, as a thing understood by all sailors, and a 
little in their own way. This allowed half an hour for the boats 
to collect from each ship, in order that the time appointed (eleven 
o'clock,) might be kept to, and the quiet of the meeting preserved 
from late comers on board. But although the invitation, with the 
exception of George Pritchard's family, had not been extended by 
us beyond the shipping in the bay, yet several persons attended 
from the shore: — Doctor Vaughan, Captain Henry, George Bick- 
nell, and some other white people with children, whose copper- 
coloured skins indicated that they were the offspring of Tahitian 
mothers. 

" The meeting at length settled down into stillness beyond our 
expectation. I thought there would scarcely be a single individ- 
ual then present, except our own crew, that had ever before been 
at a meeting held exclusively after the manner of Friends. In 
this, however, I found I had been mistaken, as the mate of the 
* Lancaster' came on board the next day, and acknowledged he 
was a member of our Society, though, as he stated, he had not 
kept close to it. He told us, that he little expected to see a 
Friends' meeting held amongst these islands, but seemed glad of 
having an opportunity to attend one. 

" However long the time of silence might be thought, there was 
no restlessness sufficient to disturb the quiet of the meeting. Un- 
expectedly to myself, 1 felt an engagement of mind to state to the 
meeting, that the religious Society of which I was a member, had, 
from its earliest rise, been called upon to bear a faithful testimony 
to the excellency of silent worship and waiting upon God : that it 
was a noble testimony to the all-sufficiency and teaching of that 
grace, which had appeared unto all men, teaching all, and bring- 
ing salvation to all, ' for the grace of God that bringeth salvation 
hath appeared unto all men, &c., looking for that blessed hope and 
the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour, Jesus 
Christ,' &c., to the end of the text. ' For God is a Spirit : and 
they that worship him, must worship him in spirit and in truth:' 
and that we are told in holy writ, (by the Son,) that ' the Father 
seeketh such to worship him.' I was then carried forth on the na- 
ture of true, silent, and spiritual worship, to a considerable length ; 
and then had to state, that my head would not have laid easy upon 
the pillow at a future day, if the attempt had not been made to 
collect the seamen of the fleet. That sailors were a class of men 



i 



i 



DANIEL WHEELER. 65 

more than most others, separated from their homes and regular 
places of worship, particularly on these long voyages upon the 
mighty deep for months and months together ; but that the ample 
provision made by the glorious Gospel for the restoration and re- 
demption of mankind, boundless as its love, extended unto all : for 
He that said, ' Let there be light, and there was light ;' even ' God 
who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in 
our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God, 
in the face of Jesus Christ.' I had largely to proclaim some of the 
principal doctrines of the Gospel, and was helped through, to my 
humble and thankful admiration. It was indeed a glorious, and I 
trust to some a blessed meeting. I had, I think, more than once 
to call their attention to the heavenly power that reigned over us, 
with precious solemnity, as a crown and diadem : and before the 
meeting closed, I had to acknowledge the same with prayer and 
thanksgiving, to the glory and the praise of my God. After the 
meeting was broken up, I requested an individual out of each ship 
to step forward, when two hundred and twenty-nine tracts, princi- 
pally those of Friends, were disposed of, including those sent on 
board the * Mariner' in the morning. The above is the substance 
of what I had to deliver in the meeting ; which as it arose fresh in 
my memory, when describing this meeting in my Journal, I felt an 
inducement to transmit thus far, for the satisfaction of my dear 
friends at home, that they may know what is going on in this re- 
mote part of the globe ; and to which, but for brevity sake, much 
more might be added. The masters of the < Cambria' and 'King- 
ston' remained on board, and dined with us. Captain Crocker of 
the * Cambria' has proposed to take letters for us to New Bedford, 
for which place he is about to ^ail, and forward them from thence 
to England. 

19th. "The * Nassau,' Captain Sampson, sailed early this 
morning for the coast of California, to prosecute the whale fish- 
ing. The captain was furnished with six Bibles and six Testa- 
ments, in the Spanish language. He said there would be no diffi- 
culty in putting them into suitable hands, he being well acquainted 
in those parts. 

20th. " The American ship * Emerald,' being about to sail for 
Manilla and the Philippine Islands, and Captain Eaglestone having 
kindly offered, on application being made, to forward our views, 
in circulating the Scriptures in the Spanish language, he being on 
a trading voyage, and of extensive acquaintance, this morning 
eighteen Bibles, eighteen Testaments, eighteen letters by J. J. 
Gurney on Christianity, with five copies of a 'Practical View,' &c. 
by the late William Wilberforce, were got ready and delivered to 
that ship. We have met with great civility and willingness to 
lend a helping hand in many of the American captains : at the 
same time we are frequently sensible of a mixture which cannot 
be reconciled. The foregoing remark has no allusion to the in- 



66 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

consistent conduct of the crews of many of the American vessels, 
which we have fallen in with here, that are called ' temperance 
ships/ I could not but view these with satisfaction, and with a 
degree of thankfulness, as likely to contribute by their example to 
the welfare of the islanders. But, alas ! I now find, with horror 
and surprise, that the word temperance applies only to the ships, and 
not to their crews, none probably of which are members of a Tem- 
perance Society, but are merely bound by articles that the voyage 
shall be performed without any spirits being on board, except as 
medicine, if needed, and that their sobriety only exists because they 
cannot get the liquor ; when on shore, and unbound by these arti- 
cles, they are lamentably, in many instances, notorious for drink- 
ing to excess; and their immoral conduct, at this place, makes me 
shudder for the awful and woful consequences, both as regards 
themselves, and the daughters of Tahiti. Although great exertion 
is made and promoted by the missionaries here to stop this over- 
whelming torrent of iniquity, yet all their measures are abortive, 
and can never be successful, unless co-operated with on the part 
of the masters of the shipping. Notwithstanding the disuse of 
spirituous liquors is rigidly enforced at Tahiti, and no person is 
allowed to have the article in his house, or if the breath of any of 
the natives smell of it, a severe fine is imposed ; yet this bane of the 
human race is still to be purchased on shore, and the supply is 
kept up by the American ships ; it is clandestinely landed at times, 
amongst the supposed empty casks which are sent on shore for 
water, (an instance of this kind took place a few days ago,) and 
by other methods. A considerable quantity was brought in last 
week by an American schooner from Valparaiso, and safely land- 
ed ; but has since been discovered, the casks destroyed and their 
contents totally lost. By what is said, I do not mean to infer that 
this shocking and gross immorality is confined solely to the crews 
of the American vessels, because those of the English are perhaps 
equally implicated ; but with this difference, they do not assume 
the character of being ' temperance ships.' 

" How dreadful and appalhng the consideration, that the inter- 
course of distant nations should have entailed upon these poor, 
untutored islanders, a curse unprecedented and unheard of in the 
annals of history ; it is said that one-fourth of the whole popula- 
tion is miserably affected with a disease brought amongst them, 
and kept up by the licentious crowds of the shipping. Will not, 
shall not the Lord visit for these things ? 

22nd. " Early this morning the ' Emerald' sailed for Manilla, 
and the Philippine Islands. The American schooner, ' Peruvian,' 
came in before noon from Valparaiso, with horses. In the after- 
noon, went on shore upon the queen's island. On this small spot 
of ground much is concentrated. A small chapel, with sides of 
upright bamboos, (wicker-work,) is standing, with seats and a pul- 
pit, at one time probably in use. Several pieces of cannon in a 



DANIEL WHEELER. 67 

useless state, one placed on a platform, formed of loose stones and 
coral, and others lying about in a condition equally harmless. 
These have been left as presents by the ships of different nations, 
which have visited these seas, and stand as memorials against 
them, by showing that their dependence is upon the arm of flesh 
for protection. England, France, and Russia seem to have been 
the donors of them. Part of one building is fitted up as an ar- 
moury, w^ith an inscription to this import over the arms, w^hich 
consist of three worthless muskets without locks. We cannot 
wonder at young and barbarous nations being eager to possess 
weapons of a destructive nature, when they see in what high es- 
timation they are held by those who are called Christians ; but, 
alas ! their conduct proclaims aloud that such are not the follow- 
ers of the Prince of Peace, nor living under the blessed influence 
of the Gospel. 

23d. " The king came on board to breakfast this morning by 
himself, but departed as soon as our reading was over. As at- 
tending the Tahitian worship has been frequently the companion 
of my thoughts for several days past> it seemed best for me to be 
in readiness by having the way opened for the ensuing first-day 
(to-morrow) should this be my portion. After communicating this 
to my son Charles, we concluded to go on shore, and mention the 
subject to George Pritchard. On seeing the latter, I told him that 
my mind had been drawn to attend the Tahitian worship to-mor- 
row morning. He asked, if I meant to perform service there, or 
to sit as a spectator. ' To sit as a spectator,' I replied, * but if re- 
quired to speak, to have permission to do so.' He just said, ' You 
must not expect to find things in the same order as if you were at 
home ;' and added, * If you could come on shore about half-past 
eight o'clock in the morning, there would be time to look at the 
schools before the meeting begins : the meeting for worship begins 
at nine o'clock, but a prayer-meeting commences at sun-rise.' I 
cannot but admire, with reverential gratitude and thankfulness, 
how in every instance of this kind that has yet occurred, mountains 
have become mole-hills in comparison, as a willingness has been 
wrought to approach them : and if it were not fixing a very high 
stamp upon ourselves, I should say, surely the blessed Master, in 
like manner as when He sent forth His disciples two and two for- 
merly to every place where he intended to come, is already not 
only come, but has condescended to go before, and prepare the 
way for us poor creatures in a remarkable manner, in the hearts 
of others with whom we have to do. In returning we walked at 
the edge of the bay, and were accosted by a respectable, clean- 
looking white man, who has resided here about fifteen years. He 
had been a sailor : but a severe hurt in his right hand and wrist 
was the cause of his being left at this place. It seemed from what 
he said, that he had been told we were much at a loss for an inter- 
preter : he wished to render us every assistance he could, and was 



68 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

willing to go with us to any part whither we might have to go ; 
wanting nothing in return, as he was comfortably off, and was not 
one that stood opposed to the work in which we were engaged ; 
as he had but a small piece of land, he was at Hberty at any time 
to attend us. We acknowledged the kindness and disinterested- 
ness of this offer, and told him, if occasion required it, we should 
make application to him. We think him a suitable person to have 
the care of some tracts for lending out to others, and one with 
whom some of the writings of Friends may with safety be left. 
On first-day morning, the 24th of Fifth month, my son Charles 
and myself proceeded to George Pritchard's house about the ap- 
pointed time. We were much too early for the school, owing to 
there being no regular time kept amongst the people ; and some 
having to come from considerable distances, are the more likely 
to be out of season when they arrive. The principal teacher, 
who is a deacon in the church, made his appearance, soon after 
which we followed to the school-house. A considerable number 
of children were collected ; the boys sitting at one end of a long 
building, and the girls at the other ; the teacher standing on one 
side in the empty space, about midway between them. He gave 
out questions to the boys and girls alternately, which were an- 
swered in the same way by a few of the elder children in a sing- 
ing tone, simultaneously, the rest seeming to take but little interest 
in what was going on. We were told, that when the queen re- 
sided here, the number of children was much greater than at pre- 
sent ; but as she now Hves at Papaoa, such children as formerly 
attended here, now go to the school at that place. 

" It was considerably more than half an hour after the fixed 
time before we entered (what is called) the church, where a large 
number of persons were collected and collecting. The whole con- 
gregation were squatted on the floor, the building being in an un- 
finished state, and no seats as yet provided : they appeared to oc- 
cupy the whole of the floor, which is very extensive. While they 
were proceeding in their usual manner, I endeavoured to draw 
near to the Fountain of Israel, whose God is, and ever will be. He 
that giveth strength and power to his people. My heart was soft- 
ened in an unusual manner, and the creature was brought down 
into a state of nothingness ; tears flowed beyond a capabihty of 
restraint, my mind was as a calm, and I was prepared to stand up 
when the proper moment arrived. A universal stillness now pre- 
vailed over the meeting, probably increased by expectation, which 
had for some time been stamped upon the countenances of the 
whole assembly. 

" ' God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all 
churches of the saints,' were the first words uttered by me ; which 
when interpreted, were followed by — It is not an e very-day cir- 
cumstance for a stranger thus to speak amongst you, probably 
what you never before witnessed ; but it is according to the true 



DANIEL WHEELER. 69 

order of the Gospel that the prophets should speak two or three, 
that all might learn and all might be comforted — with some more 
of the text, repeating again, for * God is not the author of confu- 
sion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints ;' proceeding 
with, ^* I have nothing new to offer : the way to the kingdom is the 
same now as in the beginning ; there is no variableness or shadow 
of turning with that God with whom we have to do : the things of 
time may vacillate and change, but the Rock of ages unimpaired 
remains : it changeth not, ' the foundation of God standeth sure, 
having this seal. The Lord knoweth them that are his.' This 
foundation is Christ Jesus : and no other foundation can any man 
lay than is laid. Every man's work will be made manifest, the 
day shall declare it, the fire of the Lord will try it : that only will 
stand which is built on Christ Jesus the righteous, that tried corner- 
stone, elect of God, and precious indeed to them that believe, though 
to the Jews a stumbling-block, and to the Greeks foolishness. For 
this cause, ' God gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever be- 
lieveth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life,' — with 
more on this important point. In looking over this large assembly, 
the love of God has filled my heart as I have sat amongst you. 
May the Lord in heaven bless you, is the language that has arisen 
therein. It is this love that induced me to come amongst you ; it 
is this love that would gather all into the heavenly garner of rest 
and peace ; endless in duration is the mercy of the Lord ; free and 
unbounded is his love. His love has been long extended to these 
islands, and covered them as with a mantle. This island has had 
advantages beyond many others." I reminded them that many 
years had now elapsed since the sound of the Gospel was first 
heard in their land : they had long had many parts of the Holy 
Scriptures in circulation, which from their earliest pages point to 
the Saviour. It was promised soon after the fall of man, that the 
seed of the woman should bruise the serpent's head. Moses de- 
clared to the people in his day, ' A prophet shall the Lord your 
God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me ; him shall 
ye hear in all things ;' and the soul which will not hear that pro- 
phet, shall be destroyed from among the people. Which led to the 
query of what return had been made for all this, and wherein had 
they been benefitted by these great privileges, &c. They had run 
well for a season : What had hindered them ? What had prevented 
them that they should have turned again as unto the weak and 
beggarly elements'? If they had obeyed the Gospel this would not 
have been the case; they would by tihis time have been a pure peo- 
ple for their God. That unless there was a thorough alteration 
and change, the blessing intended for them would be withdrawn, 
and the rod would be administered for their iniquity. Continuing, 
* Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are 
ready to die;' for your works are not perfect in the sight of God. 
' Remember, therefore, how thou hast received and heard, and hold 

7 



70 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

fast, and repent;' there is a great work to be done; for where is 
your hope when the present generation are summoned from works 
to rewards, if the younger children are not trained in succession? 

" I then had to call upon the parents to step forward before it 
was too late ; they had all a part to take in it. Tahitian mothers 
had a large share devolving upon them; much depended upon their 
influence and example in endeavouring to train up their children 
with habits of civihzed life, by letting them learn to read, (which 
at present is much neglected, and much disliked both by parents 
and children,) that so they might partake in the advantages which 
are to be derived from the Holy Scriptures ; reminding them that 
* they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament ; , 
and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and 
ever ;' exhorting them not to be overcome with evil, but to over- 
come evil with (or by) that which is good ; that the promises are 
many, great, and precious, recorded in Holy Writ, to them that 
overcome, &c. Though, perhaps, more might be expressed than 
above noted, and with some variation as to the words, yet I believe 
that what is here inserted is the substance and principal part of 
what was uttered. 

" Having finished, I took my seat. Soon after this, George 
Pritchard concluded the meeting. When the whole congregation 
rose, the elderly people came forward to shake hands ; but being 
pretty near one of the doors, (of which there are four,) we were 
soon carried outside by the current of people turning that way. 
There were upwards of a thousand people inside of the building, 
and a considerable number outside also. The doors and windows 
being all open, those without could hear about as well as those 
within. 

28th. {Fifth-day.) " Soon after breakfast, Charles and myself 
endeavoured to draw near in silence before the Most High ; and 
although under feelings of great weakness and inability of our- 
selves to maintain the watch against our subtle enemy, yet we 
must not shrink or be discouraged from using our humble endea- 
vours to maintain the unequal conflict, seeing that He with whom 
we have to do, knows that we are but dust, pities our frailties and 
weakness, and regardeth with an eye of merciful compassion his 
poorest creatures ; yea, even the lone sparrow from the house-top 
cannot fall to the ground without his knowledge. 

30th. " Yesterday, C. Wilson and son, from Point Venus, dined 
with us. They came to inquire for some articles for the latter, 
who is about to join the mission likely to proceed to the Navigator 
islands. In the evening, went on shore for exercise. Heavy rain 
during the night. William Henry having purchased supplies for 
our vessel, came on board this morning to procure sundry articles 
of barter goods. In the forenoon, had an opportunity of furnish- 
ing a respectable woman with a Testament, Selection of Advices, 
John Woolman's Serious Considerations, and nine tracts on reli- 



DANIEL WHEELER. 71 

gious subjects. This female was taken when a child of four years 
old into William Henry's family. She is well acquainted with the 
English language, and has a numerous family, which she is endea- 
vouring to bring up in a praiseworthy manner. Her example of 
industry and notability may be traced in the different appearance 
of the family from that of others ; and the result is strikingly ob- 
vious in the behaviour and habits of the children. She is, doubt- 
less, the offspring of one white parent. Her husband is a native, 
but we have not yet seen him : they reside in the neighbourhood of 
Mairi Pehe. 

" Yesterday morning, a native of Dundalk, in Ireland, by name 
Murphy, lately arrived in the ' Peruvian,' from Valparaiso, came 
on board. He stated, that his coming here is solely for the purpose 
of procuring a passage to the Sandwich Islands, but that he is not 
suffered to remain here, for want of proper credentials, which are 
required of such as come to reside on shore. It is one of those 
cases in which I could not render any assistance, there being a 
decided law in this country that prevents strangers under such cir- 
cumstances from coming amongst the people, and which applies to 
all foreigners. At the same time, it is pretty evident, that a fear 
of his introducing the Roman Catholic religion greatly operates 
against him ; for which it is probable, there may be some ground. 
Murphy acknowledges to have been six years at a college in Ire- 
land, training for a priest ; but that he never was ordained. He is 
now come from the Gambler Islands, where, he says, there are six 
French Roman Catholic priests, and one English ; whatever may 
be the real cause of his coming here, his present situation renders 
him an object of pity, which we cannot relieve. 

Sixth month 3d. " For the last three days our time was much 
occupied by persons coming on board, and in attending to the ex- 
change of some of our articles for barter, to obtain the needful 
supphes, for the vessel, of fresh provisions, fruit and vegetables. 

" While on shore yesterday for exercise, we met with an aged 
native, who remembered the first coming to these islands of Cap- 
tain James Cook. It was clear that he was no stranger to the cir- 
cumstances of his death at Hawahii, as he himself alluded to the 
place. Although we had the advantage of an interpreter being 
with us, yet the age of this man could not be ascertained, as no 
record or register of births is instituted amongst them. 

" In the forenoon, a judge, with whom we were previously ac- 
quainted, came on board, bringing with him the queen's mother, 
and a third person, to us a stranger ; it evidently appeared to be 
one of those visits made only with a view to extort something from 
us in the way of present : signs were made by the female of chop- 
ping with an axe ; but as I could only talk to her in English, she 
found there was nothing to be got, and I did not consider it at all 
necessary to satisfy demands which were altogether unreasonable ; 
and especially as I knew, that if her wishes had been complied 



72 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

with, numerous applications would be made by her colleagues, 
which it would have been more difficult to refuse. 

4th. {Fifth-day.) " The king and his brother came on board 
to dinner, but did not remain long after it was over. Their com- 
ing now is in a plain way : they come and go as they please ; we 
treat them with civility, but no longer as strangers, or they us. 
This seems to suit their habits and inclination, which, Hke their 
bodies, are not accustomed to restraint. They paddle themselves 
off in a canoe, with no other clothing than check shirts, and a 
loose piece of blue cotton tied round the waist, with low crowned 
straw hats, with a broad blue ribbon round them, upon their head. 

5th. " This morning a respectable Spaniard came on board, 
whom I had seen several times when on shore. He was presented 
with J. J. Gurney's ' Essays' in his own language, with which he 
seemed highly gratified. He had been an officer in the Spanish 
army, and was banished from his country by the last revolution in 
South America : he has resided here about three years, and bears 
a good character. He is promised a copy of the Holy Scriptures, 
and other books in his native language : I never saw any person 
so much pleased and thankful at the prospect of having these books 
furnished him in this country. On inquiry, we found that there 
are three Manilla men here, one of whom was in the canoe at the 
time. This man read very intelligibly in J. J. Gurney's ' Essays ;' 
and his willingness to receive any books we were disposed to give, 
for himself and comrades, made us glad that we are in possession 
of such a variety in their language. 

6th. "At George Pritchard's we met with John Davies, the 
missionary from Papara, who has been engaged here about thirty- 
five years, an intelligent elderly man. From his long residence he 
has acquired the greatest fund of satisfactory information respect- 
ing these islands, and their inhabitants, of any person we have yet 
met with, and which he imparted in a manner to us highly inte- 
resting, and more valuable than what is generally collected, be- 
cause its authenticity may be relied on. In speaking of the idols 
formerly in great repute here and in the neighbouring isles, he 
said, ' that when expostulating with the people, and endeavouring 
to convince them of the worthlessness of these wooden deities, 
which can neither see, nor speak, nor stand, nor go, &c.; the 
most sensible amongst the natives in answer, would say, that they 
did not worship them as God; but that they served only to remind 
them of God, who is invisible, and in some manner connected with 
those images ; but how they knew not.' He considered that the 
received opinion of these islands having been originally peopled 
from South America, was altogether fallacious, and without foun- 
dation, because their having been peopled from Asia can be proved 
by striking facts : when traversing to the westward, the same lan- 
guage is invariably to be found on the islands, though, perhaps, in 
a variety of dialects; and this may be traced to Sumatra, Borneo, 



DANIEL WHEELER. 73 

Malacca, &c. And the same tradition as regards a deity may 
also be traced throughout them, more or less in degree and vary- 
ing in some particulars ; but on going to the eastward, the lan- 
guage is less and less to be recognized, and eventually disappears 
altogether. The intelligent natives seem to be awakened to a 
confused idea of a general deluge having taken place at some 
time or other, from their having discovered, that upon the tops 
of the highest mountains in this island and others, the same ma- 
rine substances are met with as they are accustomed to find at the 
bottom of the sea. It has been the opinion of some that the whole 
of these islands formed at one time a vast continent, but that by 
an unaccountable convulsion of the earth, this continent became 
water, except the tops of the loftiest mountains, which constitute 
the islands as they stand at this day. 

7th. {First-day.) " From the appearance of George Pritchard 
on the seventh-day evening, it did not seem probable that he would 
be equal to the fatigue of accompanying us to Papaoa ; and as the 
morning proved rough, and the wand contrary, it was not looked 
for on my part. Notwithstanding some information had spread 
that I should be gone to Papaoa, yet the state of the weather per- 
haps induced some to come *\)Xi board about the time that we 
usually assemble the crew together. We had not sat long before 
some others arrived. The forepart of the time the children were 
a little restless, owing to the great heat of the place below, the 
deck being too wet to allow us to sit in the open air with safety ; 
but a solemn feeling spread over our little company, and remained 
with us. My mind was gradually drawn into exercise, and at last 
I had to break through the silence with the expression of, — True 
is that ' God is no respecter of persons : but in every nation he 
that feareth him and worketh righteousness, is accepted with 
Him.' ' It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the Hving 
God.' And ' If the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the 
ungodly and the sinner appear V Also, true it is, that no man can 
save his brother, nor give to God a ransom for his soul : the work 
is our own, &c. It was one of those favoured times of which it 
may be said, that the latter end surpassed the beginning, * because 
of the truth.' It was afterwards ascertained, that George Pritch- 
ard was too unwell to venture on the journey to Papaoa.^' 

The following reflections occur in Daniel Wheeler's Journal, 
under date of 8th of Sixth month. — " The organization of the lan- 
guage, so as to admit the translation of the Holy Scriptures into 
the native tongue, is a work, the importance of which cannot be 
duly estimated nor conceived, as to the happy result, under the 
Divine blessing, that is in store for generations yet unborn, any 
more than the boundary of extent can be defined to which they 
may be permitted to circulate and difiuse revealed truth in the lan- 
guage of Holy Inspiration. This work now considered to be near 

its completion, has been the labour of many years, in a climate 

7# 



74 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

wasting to the constitution of every European, as oppressively re- 
laxing from the heat. Henry Nott has been a very laborious ser- 
vant in this cause ; without any regard to the many hardships and 
privations which the earliest settlers had particularly to encounter, 
and in which he deeply shared; his constitution is now sinking 
from long residence, and the effects of close sedentary application : 
who can doubt for a moment the devotedness of such a man? 
Great and important are the advantages which such a work is 
calculated to bestow on mankind, beyond every other, or in com- 
parison with any other outward means of help and comfort, for 
where can the excellency of the Holy Scriptures be equalled, or to 
what can they be compared, seeing the writers were divinely in- 
spired ? And being thus of heavenly origin and descent, they ever 
stand unrivalled as profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correc- 
tion, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be 
perfect and thoroughly furnished to every good word and work, 
and above all they are able to make wise even to salvation ; but it is 
only through faith which is in Christ Jesus our Lord, to whom their 
inspired pages point from the earliest age of recorded time. 

10th. " This morning received information that a public meet- 
ing of the principal chiefs and pecffle of the island was about to 
take place, to consider the case of the supposed Roman Catholic. 
Although I had not been invited to a missionary conference which 
had taken place on this subject, yet I felt my way more than usu- 
ally opened to attend the council of the Tahitians, then about to 
meet. Accordingly myself and Charles hastened to the shore, 
and landed opposite to the building where the people were as- 
sembling. 

" The queen, with her mother and attendants were seated, or 
squatted upon the floor, surrounded by the chiefs of seven districts. 
The sister of the principal chief, or king of Rarotogna, was one of 
the party. The business commenced with the examination of the 
Irish Roman Catholic ; the place was now crowded with people, 
but the examination proceeded very slowly and unsatisfactorily ; 
which I could not help perceiving, was entirely for want of an able 
interpreter, who thoroughly understood the English language as 
well as the Tahitian. The people were restless and unsettled from 
this circumstance, the most part, not seeming to know for what 
they had come together. None of the missionaries appeared wil- 
Hng (for sufficient reasons) to have any hand in the business ; and 
seeing the real cause of the dilemma they had got into was still 
undiscovered, it seemed best for me to step forward, at a suitable 
moment, and state plainly to the heads of the meeting, that it was 
impossible for the business to proceed satisfactorily without a com- 
petent interpreter was appointed ; and turning to Captain Henry, 
who stood near me, I requested him to inform the chiefs what I 
had said. This being done, the council agreed that Captain Henry 
should be chosen ; and he having consented, things began to move 



DANIEL WHEELER. 75 

more readily forward, until the Catholic made some assertions 
highly injurious to the missionary cause, and offensive to the queen 
and all her chiefs, who felt very indignant on the occasion ; and 
which I knew to be incorrect. There did not seem any other part 
for me to act, however unpleasant, but publicly to contradict what 
he had said, and to declare that some of the language he had used 
had never been expressed by the person whom he was charging 
with having spoken it. This for a time caused considerable alter- 
cation ; but having three witnesses on my side, this difficulty was 
soon got over, and order again restored. The examination con- 
tinued, until the Catholic, unable to prove the statements he had 
made on first coming to Tahiti, and finding himself foiled on every 
side, made a hasty retreat, to all appearance not a little offended. 
One of the chiefs then expatiated on the case, and stated to the as- 
sembly as follows : — ' This man (meaning the Catholic) held out 
that he should not come to this meeting ; and it is seen that he did 
come to the meeting. He declared that he had a letter sealed with 
King William's seal, (of England,) and he had no such thing. That 
he had a letter from the British Ambassador at Paris, and he had 
no such thing ; and now, by his running away, he has shown him- 
self to be a deceiver.' Then turning the attention of the assembly 
to my Charles and myself, he said, ' On their coming amongst us, 
we had no occasion to ask for letters ; they gave them themselves 
into our hands. It is know^n to every chief in the island there was 
no trouble w^th them, because they are not deceivers.' He then 
finished his speech, by proposing that such a man should never be 
allowed to come amongst them. After this the queen's speech was 
delivered by a clear-headed middle-aged chief, which concluded 
with a call upon all her faithfal subjects to unite in never permitting 
this man (the Catholic) or any other of the same profession to come 
to disturb the peace and tranquillity of Tahiti. 

" Another chief made a very animated oration, which we were 
informed contained a proposition, not only to banish this man for 
ever from their shores, but to follow him on the sea, and not allow 
either him or his comrades to remain so near them as the Gambier 
Islands, but to banish them from thence, lest the plague should come 
amongst them : throwing his long stick upon the floor, to describe 
them as trampled under foot, never again to rise. 

11th. " Yesterday we went to George Pritchard's to become 
acquainted with Alexander Simpson, the missionary from the island 
of Eimeo. He had come over to attend the meeting that had been 
appointed for the missionaries of all the districts, to take into con- 
sideration the arrival of the Irish Roman Catholic, above-mention- 
ed. Alexander Simpson's wife and daughter were with him. He 
seems kindly disposed to forward our views, when visiting the island 
upon which he resides. 

14th. {First-day.) *' In the forenoon a few strangers assembled 
with our own crew. In the course of the time we were together, 



76 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

I had a short testimony to bear to the indispensable duty of loving 
one another. How can we expect to be forgiven our trespasses, if 
we from our hearts do not forgive every man his brother his tres- 
passes. Soon after one o'clock, P. M., George Pritchard called, 
accompanied by Alexander Simpson's wife, in a whale boat, to 
convey Charles and myself to Papaoa. We reached in time for 
the meeting of the Tahitians, which consisted of a large body of 
the people. Throughout much of the day, and much of the time 
also that their religious engagements were going forward, my mind 
was under no small weight of exercise, and it seemed doubtful to 
myself whether I should have any thing to communicate or not ; 
but towards the latter part, I only waited for a proper interval of 
silence to stand upon my feet. George Pritchard observing this, 
asked whether I wished to say any thing then, or after the next 
singing was over ; but the present moment seemed the right one ; 
which being signified, he then exhorted the people to stillness and 
attention, and waited by my side for me to begin." Daniel 
Wheeler then communicated what was upon his mind. " Shortly 
after this," he observes, " the meeting broke up : when the people 
drew towards us, and commenced the usual ceremony of shaking 
hands. The queen was present, but I did not know it until after- 
wards. We called at her house on our way to the boat, but she 
was gone off on foot to Papeete. 

Half past eleven o'clock, P. M. " My mind is peaceful and 
easy, and relieved ; and the God of glory has the praise, who thus 
continues to bear up a poor tribulated way-worn traveller, renew- 
ing my youth as the eagle's, and as the day is, so causing my 
strength to be. I observed, while at the meeting of Papaoa, that 
the countenances of some of the Tahitians who sat opposite to me 
manifested undeviating attention ; others appeared more indifferent 
and careless ; and the protracted length of the meeting, together 
with the tropical heat, made the younger children unsettled." 



CHAPTER VI. 

Visit to Bunaauia — ^native meeting — kindness of the principal chief— Point Venus — perilous 
situation — ^Tiarei — ^native meeting — meeting at Point Venus — visit to Taiarapu — Papara 
— ^beautiful scenery — school at Teahurpoo— meeting of the natives — letter from the native 
congregation — favoured opportunity — native meeting at Papara — return to the "Henry 
Freeling " — letter from the queen of Tahiti. 

16th. " Yesterday employed nearly all the day on board. Last 
night had some conversation with George Pritchard about accom- 
panying me to Bunaauia this afternoon. It was proposed that we 
should lodge at David Darhng's, the missionary at that station, in 
order to attend the Tahitian worship at sun-rise to-morrow morn- 
ing. We set out in a whale-boat about three o'clock, P. M. Our 



DANIEL WHEELER. 77 

company consisted of Alexander Sinnpson, wife and little daugh- 
ter, Mary Darling, a daughter of David's, Louisa Barf of Huahine 
Island, George Pritchard, my son Charles, and myself, with four 
Tahitians at the oars. We had a fine passage while within the 
reef, but on reaching the opening which leads out into the main 
ocean, the rollers broke with so much violence, that some of our 
company were discouraged from making the attempt to force a 
passage through it. To myself there appeared no difficulty, but 
what might have been with ease and safety surmounted, as at one 
view might be seen the whole danger that threatened. This open- 
ing consisted of a narrow channel, (but amply wide enough,) with 
the crags of the coral on each side of it, upon which the sea broke 
more than usual, from the wind having been rather brisk for seve- 
ral hours. But that which weighed most in the scale to deter from 
attempting to pass through this place, was the probability of our 
being unable to get through the next opening to pass within the 
reef again, nearly opposite David Darling's house, which is in a 
situation still more exposed to the constant invasion of the break- 
ing surf, and rendered much more hazardous by the great strength 
of current that usually prevails there when the present wind is 
blowing. If on reaching this place the pass should have been found 
impracticable, we must then have had to go over the same ground 
a second time, to get back again, if no accident had happened to 
the boat, and the danger would be increased manifold by being 
then thrown into the dark. At length it was concluded to run the 
boat on shore upon a sandy beach, nigh unto some of the huts of 
the natives, who sallied forth in a body, and soon hauled her up 
beyond the reach of the surf. Our party being all landed, we pro- 
ceeded on foot, and should soon have reached the mission-house, 
and in good day-light, but having a considerable river to encoun- 
ter, the night overtook us before we had all passed over it. This 
river is rapid, and of uncertain depth ; and notwithstanding the bed 
of it is covered with loose round stones, the natives are so dexter- 
ous, that an accident but rarely occurs. A number of these peo- 
ple soon came to our assistance, and the company were all landed 
on the other side before my turn arrived. Soon after dark we 
reached the hospitable mansion of David DarHng, and were re- 
ceived with great kindness by his wife and family ; himself being 
from home among the Marquesan Islands, whither he had gone to 
assist in establishing a missionary, by name, Rogerson, whom I 
had seen at the Missionary Society's House, in Austin Friars. At 
this place we found the wife and three children of T. M. Orsmond, 
the missionary at the Taiarabu station. They had been tossing 
about for a considerable time in a clumsy boat of their own, not at 
all likely soon to reach their abode, unless the wind should blow 
from a direction seldom witnessed at this season of the year. Be- 
ing rather unwell in the evening, and having passed an almost 
sleepless night, I felt in poor condition when it was time to get 



78 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

ready to attend the sun-rise meeting of the Tahitians on the morn- 
ing of the 17th instant. There was a large number of the people 
collected together, and when the usual service of their own was 
gone through, I stood up, and George Pritchard interpreted for 
me, as at other times. 

" The principal burden that rested upon my mind, was to turn 
the attention of the people to the light of Christ Jesus in their own 
hearts, that their conversation might be such as becometh his Gos- 
pel. I had to tell them, that although I did not understand their 
language, yet I was fearful for them, seeing that for every idle 
word a man shall speak, he must give an account in the day of 
judgment, for by our words we shall be justified, and by our words 
we shall be condemned ; believing, and declaring this belief, that a 
very loose and wanton conversation was a besetting sin amongst 
them. I had to remind them of the superior advantages bestowed 
upon these islands, over many others of this part of the habitable 
globe, by the introduction of Christianity amongst them. Had 
they obeyed the Gospel, the effect of the contaminating example of 
evil introduced amongst them by distant nations, would have been 
prevented : that the Lord is looking for fruit, and the earth that 
drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth 
herbs meet for the use of him by whom it is dressed, receiveth 
blessing from God : but that which bringeth forth briars and thorns 
is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing, whose end is to be burned : 
that the desire of my soul was, that the lamentation once taken 
up by the Saviour of the world, might never be applicable to them 
as a people : ' O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, &c. how often would I 
have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her 
chickens under her wings, and ye would not !' That the love of 
God had overshadowed these islands in an eminent degree ; and I 
never heard of an instance where the Lord in matchless mercy, 
was pleased to send any of his servants amongst a people, but that 
his love was still towards that people. That Christ Jesus had been 
often preached to them, but they had not obeyed his Gospel : they 
must repent and obey, and the way to repent and obey is to fear 
God, and give glory to Him. That it is the same Gospel now as 
was proclaimed by the angel, which John saw flying through the 
midst of heaven, having the everlasting Gospel to preach unto 
every nation and kindred, and tongue and people ; saying with a 
loud voice, ' fear God and give glory to him ; for the hour of his 
judgment is come ; and worship him that made heaven, and earth, 
and the sea, and the fountains of waters.' Desiring that they 
might be sensible of that day, when the Lord's judgment is come 
upon all that is of a sinful and transgressing nature, that so they 
might indeed fear him, and in thought, word, and deed, give glory 
unto Him, and thus be prepared to worship Him in spirit and in 
truth ; for it is such the Father seeketh to worship Him. That 
* God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, had 



DANIEL WHEELER. 79 

shined in our hearts,' and to this saving Hght I wished to turn 
them, &c. &c. The people were generally very attentive, and a 
solemn covering was permitted to prevail over us. On rising from 
our seats, they gathered around us in the usual way. Being pre- 
viously acquainted with Utami, a principal chief in that neighbour- 
hood, we met like old friends, who knew and loved each other, if 
his love for me was the same as I felt for him. We got out into 
the air as soon as we well could, in order to escape some of the 
usual greetings, not feeling in a condition, from weakness and ex- 
haustion, to accept of all the kindness intended by these people. 

" It is indeed worthy of humble gratitude and thankfulness, to 
witness how my gracious Lord, from time to time, has opened the 
way for me amongst the missionaries. The printing-office is es- 
tablished at this place : we looked into it, but as the principal con- 
ducter of that work, David Darling, was absent, the press was 
standing still. Whilst here, we were waited upon by Utami, in the 
capacity of chief, to request permission to feed us, as they term 
furnishing strangers with a supply of food, which with them is con- 
sidered the greatest respect that can be shown to a stranger : but 
we were compelled to decline their kind attention, as the materials 
could not be procured from the different parts of the district before 
the morrow, and we were bound to return to the ' Henry Freeling ' 
that night, if practicable, the chronometers from being locked up 
in our cabin, could not be wound up until we returned oil board 
again. The quantity of food usually furnished at such times, is 
quite preposterous ; consisting of a hog, fowls, fish, plantains, ba- 
nanas, &c., with a quantity of cocoa-nuts, and if hinted at, there 
is little doubt but a dog would be prepared, according to the an- 
cient custom of the island. As the chief Utami has undertaken to 
repair a building for a school, I agreed to furnish a few pounds of 
nails, and a lock for the door, for his encouragement to proceed in 
this useful work. In the course of the day our boat was brought 
from the place where w^e landed the preceding evening ; and after 
taking leave of this family, we again re-embarked, and in a short 
time got safely through the most dangerous pass in the reef into 
smooth water, and reached the Bay of Papeete before dark, not a 
little fatigued, and in much poverty of spirit, and unable to write 
for want of sleep. 

19th. " Principally employed on board. Consulted in the fore- 
noon with Samuel Wilson on the best mode of visiting the district 
of Point Venus, where his father resides, and that of Tiarei, 
(Teear'ay) the residence of WilHam Henry. In the afternoon we 
went on shore for exercise until dark. Samuel Wilson, who has 
kindly offered to accompany us to the distant districts as interpre- 
ter, came on board to tea, with whose plainness and simplicity we 
were much gratified. 

20th. " George Pritchard came on board in the forenoon, and as- 
sisted in arranging a plan for accomplishing our visit to the re- 



80 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

maining, and most distant districts upon the island of Tahiti. It 
was concluded best for us to set off this afternoon towards Tiarei. 
As the wind blew fresh, about sun-set was considered the proper 
time to proceed as far as Point Venus, presuming the strength of 
the wind would lessen as the evening approached. It was proposed 
that we should remain at Point Venus until two o'clock in the 
morning, and then push forward so as to reach Tiarei about day- 
break, before the trade-wind set in, which is mostly pretty strong, 
and generally from the quarter to which we were bending our 
course. All things being ready, we left the * Henry Freeling ' soon 
after four o'clock, the wind having materially lessened by the fall 
of some rain, and it still continued to get lighter as we proceeded. 
As there was every indication of clear and serene weather long 
before reaching the first place of intended destination, it was sug- 
gested by our native boat's crew, that we should not make much 
stay there, but push forward while the wind and sea were gentle. 
The principal motive for wishing to stop by the way at all, was to 
lessen the fatigue of these men by dividing the journey into two 
parts, so that they might rest between them : but they were well 
aware that the whole distance could be performed at once in calm 
weather, with much more ease than if divided, and time given for 
rest, if the wind and sea should rise against them, although but in 
a moderate degree. Just before dark, we landed upon the shore of 
Point Venus, the place from whence the celebrated navigator, 
Captain James Cook, observed the transit of the planet Venus on 
the disk of the sun. Opposite this part of the coast of Tahiti, which 
we had next to traverse, there is no sheltering coral-reef for its 
protection ; so that the remainder of our journey was now exposed 
to the whole beat of the Pacific ocean, and can only be performed 
when the weather is moderate. 

" Having with us Samuel Wilson, we were readily conducted to 
the habitation of his father, Charles Wilson, the resident mission- 
ary at this station, and were kindly entertained by the family. As 
the passage round Point Venus is very intricate, and the water 
particularly shoal, the boat was taken round to the other side, 
while we were partaking of some refreshment. We lost no time 
in preparing again to embark. The crew met us with a native 
torch, made of the dry branching leaves of the cocoa-nut tree, 
which with our own lantern, lighted the intricate narrow path 
among the bushes, and was particularly useful at the sea-side, the 
night being now very dark. As the night advanced, we were helped 
by a gentle land breeze, so that the labour of the oars was a little 
diminished by the addition of a sail being set to catch it. There 
was an experienced elderly native employed at the stern-oar of our 
whale-boat, whose course seemed to be principally directed by the 
white tops of the rolHng surf, as it broke upon the coast near to 
which he mostly kept. Off one rocky point of land it became 
needful to turn off with a wide sweep towards the offing, to escape 



DANIEL WHEELER. 81 

a projecting ridge of rocks, the outermost extremity of which was 
defined by the termination of breakers. By ten o'clock, P. M. it 
was declared that we were abreast of Tiarei ; but the night was 
so dark, that the narrow entrance through the reef to it could not 
be distinguished even by the eagle-eyed Tahitians. The boat's 
mast was struck, and one of the natives stationed in the front with 
Samuel Wilson, to look out ; and her head being turned shore- 
wards, we edged gently down towards the foaming breakers, 
which were bursting on the rocky strand with thundering noise. 
As the rowing had now altogether ceased, the boat drifted only at 
the rate at which the swell of the sea hove her along ; a measure 
highly prudent until the dangerous pass we had to go through was 
clearly ascertained, as was quickly afterwards sufficiently demon- 
strated, though at the moment such tardy proceeding might seem 
to protract the term of suspense. Having silently proceeded for 
some time in this way, and from the increasing roar of the rest- 
less waters, evidently drawing nearer and nearer to the margin of 
the crags, on a sudden there were symptoms of alarm, which 
could not be mistaken, on the part of the boat's crew, who now 
perceived that we had missed the only entrance that afforded a 
passage to the shore ; and from our present position, a large lump 
of rock was in the way to the mouth of the channel, which the 
boat could not possibly escape. Our poor Tahitians immediately 
jumped into the sea, and did all they could to save the boat from 
being dashed to pieces, but they could not prevent her from strik- 
ing. She however only struck once, and lay quiet, the wave 
having so far receded, that she did not float enough to beat, and 
the next roller that came in, instead of filling her with water, car- 
ried her completely over this obstruction. But it was difficult for 
some time to ascertain whether the worst was now over or not, 
for our men began to howl and shou^ the meaning of which we 
could not comprehend. It afterwards appeared, that this was done 
to rouse the sleeping natives on the shore, who, well understanding 
this yell, shortly came running with lighted torches to our assis- 
tance, and a few minutes placed us once more upon terra firma. 
As the boat could not get close in, one of these men very soon had 
me upon his back, to prevent my getting wet. Samuel Wilson and 
my son Charles, were landed in the same way. The journey alto- 
gether had been more speedy, and in many respects more favour- 
able than is often witnessed, until we came to the last pinch, when 
the never-failing arm of Almighty power was again displayed in 
the needful time for our relief As we were strangers to the lan- 
guage of the people, and could render them no assistance what- 
ever, and as any attempt to direct their efforts must only have in- 
creased the general confusion, we therefore sat silent beholders of 
what was going forwfird ; committing ourselves to Him, who saw 
our perilous situation through the darkened gloom, and did not 
suffer the briny waters to prevail against us, but in love and mercy, 

8 



82 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

and compassion, stretched forth his hand to save. As to myself, I 
may say, my heart was fixed, trusting in the Lord, whose loving- 
kindness is better than life. He was with us of a truth, in fulfil- 
ment of his gracious promise, and we were not confounded. I 
desire to record this signal favour with humble thankfulness and 
reverence, to His praise and to His glory. We soon reached the 
mission-house, where William Henry resides, to whom we were 
all personally known, and by whom and his wife we were kindly 
accommodated for the night, although from their secluded situa- 
tion, but little in the way of receiving strangers, and in so abrupt 
a manner, at an hour so unseasonable, as they could not have had 
the least idea of our coming. Much sleep could not be obtained, 
yet we passed the night in quietness, and I felt refreshed at rising. 
" Tiarei, 2lst. — Previously to the commencement of the Tahi- 
tian worship at nine o'clock in the morning, the time was pretty 
fully occupied with the family devotion and taking breakfast; after 
which we repaired to the meeting-house, it being agreed if I should 
have any thing to speak to the people, that Samuel Wilson was to 
stand as interpreter. This was a relief to William Henry, (and 
also to myself,) as he had quite as much to go through as his 
strength was equal to, he being far advanced in years. After 
William Henry had shown us to a seat, he went into the pulpit, 
Samuel Wilson remaining not far from us. At this distance, al- 
though not very remote from the contaminating effects of the ship- 
ping, the difference in appearance, and in the general deportment 
of the people was discernible throughout the greater part of the 
congregation, which was large. Being comforted by the sensible 
presence of the great Master, my mind was strengthened in an 
unusual manner, but not until after a season of humiliating 
conflict had been passed through in order and preparatory, I be- 
Heve, that the excellency of the power may be felt and known, and 
acknowledged to be of God, and not of us, nor of any thing that 
we can command or call our own." — When the usual engagements 
of the meeting were gone through, Daniel Wheeler observes, " I 
stood up, and beckoned to Samuel Wilson to draw nearer to me. 
We went into a position a little more central, near the table, and 
under a solemn covering, after a short interval of silence, I said — 
* I am fully persuaded in my own mind, that you, my beloved peo- 
ple, will suffer a few words from a stranger, who is with you in 
the fear, and in the love, and I may add, in the will of God, and 
not in my own ; and therefore I stand amongst you with innocent 
boldness, because I seek not yours, but you, that immortal part in 
you which must sooner or later have a being in endless felicity, or 
in endless misery. Declaring unto them, that there is no altera- 
tion in the Christian course, the warfare is continual, and can only 
be maintained and accomplished with burning and fuel of fire — 
by the cleansing operation of that burning, which the spirit of 
judgment produces, and that unquenchable fire of the Lord, which 



DANIEL WHEELER. 83 

consumeth the chaffy and transgressing nature in our hearts ; and 
if submitted to, would prepare and purify us, even as He is pure, 
for a kingdom, consisting not in meats and drinks, but in righteous- 
ness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost ; a kingdom, where 
nothing that is unclean, nothing that is impure, nothing that work- 
eth an abomination, or that maketh a lie, must ever enter. Whilst 
I have been sitting with you, my heart has been filled with the 
love of God towards you ; raising in it a fervent desire that every 
individual, from the least to the greatest, might be numbered among 
the ransomed and redeemed of the Lord, who shall return and 
come to Sion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads, 
from whom sorrow and sighing shall flee away.' But I had to tell 
them that a great and individual work must be accomplished be- 
fore these gracious and prophetic promises are reaHzed. The in- 
dignation of the Lord must be patiently borne for sin, and for 
transgression, until he should arise and plead their cause, and exe- 
cute judgment for them, and in his own time say, it is enough ; 
and bring them forth to the light, even the light of Christ Jesus, in 
whom they will then behold the Lamb of God that taketh away 
the sin of the world. This light shineth in every heart, and is the 
true light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world, in 
which only the righteousness of Christ Jesus is witnessed to be 
brought forth and be held. That when the precious blood of Christ 
was shed for the sins of all mankind, he ascended up on high ; he 
led captivity captive, and received gifts for men, even for the re- 
bellious also, that the Lord God might dwell among them, even 
among sinners, such as themselves and me. That a measure or 
manifestation of the gift of the Holy Spirit is given to every man 
to profit withal ; and well will it be for those who are profiting 
thereby, and faithfully occupying therewith. I then had to remind 
them of the great things which the Lord had done for them ; that 
the Gospel sound had long been heard in their land ; that many 
parts of the Holy Scriptures had been translated into their native 
tongue, which directed them to the Saviour — to the Word which 
was in the beginning, that was with God, and was God. And 
after enlarging much further, (although I think what I have stated 
are the principal heads that were touched upon,) I sat down poor 
and empty, yet satisfied with favour, and full with the blessing of 
the Lord. Instead of the congregation beginning to separate im- 
mediately in a hasty manner, as we have sometimes witnessed, 
even the dear children kept their seats, with the whole of the com- 
pany ; a delightful pause ensued, (short, but crowned with that so- 
lemnity not at our command,) during which I humbly trust the 
thanksgiving of many redounded to the glory of God. Silence 
was at last broken by one of the chiefs, expressing, on behalf of 
the assembly and himself, their thankfulness and satisfaction, and 
how welcome my visit had been to them, and received ; because, 
he said, * You have preached to us the everlasting Gospel, and 



84 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

have shown to us the propitiatory sacrifice for the sins of mankind, 
Christ Jesus ;' with something further, which when interpreted, I 
was fearful attached too much to the creature ; and I requested 
Samuel Wilson to tell them not to look to the creature, but to their 
Creator. The whole of the people still continued together, (about 
eight hundred persons,) and seemed as if they knew not how to 
begin to separate, until some person, I think, proposed their shak- 
ing hands with us, which immediately commenced, and exceeded 
all we had before met with. 

" On our return the difficulty of passing through the reef was 
trifling and insignificant; the light of day had dispelled all our 
fears and its terrors : we could now see what we were about to 
encounter. In a few minutes we were clear of the breakers, and 
forthwith spreading our sail, directed our course towards Point 
Venus, where we arrived in something less than two hours, the 
wind having kept on the increase the whole of the way ; and hav- 
ing a fine lively whale-boat that could run from the swell, there 
was no danger to apprehend so long as it continued to follow 
her. We were soon ready to go to meeting, but a very differ- 
ent scene awaited us, for instead of another feast of heavenly 
dainties, the Bridegroom was taken away, and a fast was pro- 
claimed ; ' Then shall they fast in those days.' It was a time al- 
together the most discouraging that had yet befallen us. The con- 
tinual talking, and fight behaviour of a large portion of the people 
were truly affecting and painful ; although several attempts were 
made to restore order amongst them, and the sound of some sharp 
strokes of the long sticks distinctly heard amongst the younger 
people, inflicted by the agents employed to keep order. I requested 
Samuel Wilson to say, That although I had brought nothing with 
me, a little matter had arisen which I did not wish to take away. 
The attention of the people being somewhat arrested, I proceeded 
with — 'Be not deceived; God is not mocked; for whatsoever a 
man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his 
flesh, shall of the flesh reap corruption ; but he that soweth to the 
Spirit, shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.' 'The Lord is good 
unto them who wait for Him — to the soul that seeketh Him ;' and 
eternal life is the reward of all those, *who, by patient continuance 
in well doing, seek for glory, honour, and immortality ; but those 
who are contentious, and obey not the truth, indignation and 
wrath, tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth 
evil ; of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile ; but glory, honour, 
and peace, to him that worketh good.' ' God is no respecter 
of persons, for in every nation all that fear Him, and work right- 
eousness, are accepted of him.' I then had to turn their attention 
to the sure and only foundation, Christ Jesus ; and to the neces- 
sity of their believing in his inward and spiritual appearance in 
their hearts. That without faith it is impossible to please God, 
pointing to the Holy Author and blessed Finisher thereof, from 



DANIEL WHEELER. 85 

whom alone it is to be derived. Without they live by this faith of 
the Son of God, who loved them, and gave himself for them, all 
their profession of religion is vain. With some further additions, 
I sat down. The meeting soon after closed. 

" We called at the house to bid the family farewell, and imme- 
diately put off for the Bay of Papeete. We should have reached 
the ' Henry Freeling' by dark, but having lost our pilot and inter- 
preter, Samuel Wilson, who remained at home at Point Venus, 
we were twice entangled in the mazy reef, and forced to row back 
again each time to get clear of it. 

23d. " To-day employed in arranging matters to enable us to 
set out again for the Taiarapu journey, to visit the district where 
T. M. Orsmond resides. 

24th. " A whale-boat having been procured last evening, we 
proceeded, after an early breakfast, to George Pritchard's, and 
from thence accompanied by our kind friend, Samuel Wilson, set 
forwards towards Papara. We reached Bunaauia in good time, 
and were again hospitably received by David Darling's family at 
the mission-house, he himself being still from home. After resting 
our crew more than an hour, we were again seated in the boat, 
fearful of wasting time, as the difficulty in some parts of the pass- 
age, going out and in between the reefs, on account of the alarm- 
ing currents which prevail, renders daylight indispensable in pass- 
ing through them. We landed at a place where a large English 
barque had been broken up by Captain Ebril. Here we met with 
three Englishmen, employed in preparing to build a new vessel, 
with part of the materials selected from the old one. These poor 
men seemed to be left in a very destitute and neglected situation ; 
and it is to be feared, strangers to the great work yet to be ac- 
complished for the salvation of their immortal souls, if not altoge- 
ther unconcerned about it. A parcel of tracts were left for their 
perusal, which was promised by one of them. We reached Pa- 
para before sun-set, and on landing were met by (Tati,) with whom 
I was previously acquainted. This man is considered to be the 
greatest orator upon the islands, and one of the two who stand as 
champions for the general welfare of their country. After little 
more had passed than the usual salutations customary among the 
islanders, the natives began to flock round us as we stood upon 
the beach, when an interesting conversation took place in their 
hearing. 

" After this, Tahtee invited us to his house, and refreshed us 
with the milk of the cocoa-nut. He said, that although many im- 
provements had been introduced by foreigners coming amongst 
them, yet we might perceive they still retained many of their old 
habits and customs, alluding to their domestic arrangements, squat- 
ting upon the floor, &c. The house exhibited more of an air of 
comfort and industry than any we had before seen : — native cloth, 
fishing-nets, &c., were lying about of their own manufacture. The 

8* 



86 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

approach of night occasioned us to hasten to the house of John 
Davies, a Welchman, from Montgomeryshire, one of the oldest 
missionaries upon the island, where we were kindly received and 
entertained. 

25th. " Rising by the break of day, and partaking of an early 
breakfast, we departed, as soon as the family devotion was over, 
for Taiarapu, (Tyra-boo) the south-eastern extremity of the island. 
We landed at Mairi Pehe and visited Samuel Henry and family, 
who is commonly styled Captain Henry, from having been several 
years the commander of a vessel. He is son to William Henry, 
the missionary at Tiarei. Here the whole process of making su- 
gar was going forward, from pressing the juice out of the cane by 
rollers, and all the different stages that it passes thrcugh, until re- 
duced to the granulated state fit for use. The wind being pretty 
fresh against us, the journey became tedious, until reaching the 
narrow isthmus connecting the two peninsulas which form the 
island of Tahiti, when our sail became available, and helped us 
more speedily forward to the furthest part of the island, then in 
sight. The sun was nigh setting when we reached the missionary 
station to which we were destined ; but the beauty and various 
scenery of this part of the island served to enliven the last hour 
of a long day's exposure to the sun, and to quiet in some degree 
the sensations of hunger and weariness, by which we had long 
been assailed. The stupendous mountains, however steep and rug- 
ged, were clothed in the richest and fullest manner, with every 
kind of fruit and forest-tree, which flourish in these tropical cli- 
mates, where perpetual summer reigns, their luxuriance only now" 
and then interrupted by falls of water hurrying down the steep 
decHvities in beautiful cascades to the vales beneath : but the noise 
of these numerous cataracts is at once overpowered and lost in 
the roar of the mighty Pacific, whose waves incessantly thunder 
in endless succession upon the shores and reefs of Tahiti. The 
rattle of our oars on the ocean's glassy surface as we approached 
near the shore, soon drew forth the natives, with the missionary, 
John Muggeridge Orsmond, who were ready to welcome and 
assist the strangers at their landing. We had before become ac- 
quainted with the wife of J. M. Orsmond at Bunaauia ; this, toge- 
ther with the hearty reception now given us by her husband, pro- 
duced feehngs somewhat like those experienced on reaching a 
home : we were favoured to feel refreshed and well the next morn- 
ing. 

26th. " We went to look at the children who had assembled 
for school at sun-rising, with a considerable number of adults of 
both sexes. Every thing here looked clean and comfortable, as if 
under diligent care and superintendence, as did the different build- 
ings, the whole being in a respectable state of repair. Being aware 
that the children would be gratified by notice being taken of them, 
I shook hands with every individual, both young and old, that was 



DANIEL WHEELER. 87 

collected. Whilst here, the people present exceedingly urged our 
staying with them over the next ' sabbath'-day : but as my engage- 
ments were such as could not be altered, and would prevent my 
consistently complying with their request, I asked J. M. Orsmond 
to interpret my answer, and also to tell them, that as the whole 
congregation was to meet me in the afternoon, I trusted, that the 
Divine presence w^ould be with us, and if so, we should be satis- 
fied with favour, and filled with the heavenly blessing of the Lord. 
In returning from the school, we had to pass through a long train 
of provisions, which the natives had procured or provided in readi- 
ness to present to us, and which, through the medium of J. M. 
Orsmond, we were informed were intended for our food and re- 
freshment. Although this provision was as unnecessary as it was 
undesired, I felt sensible of the kindness and good-will of the peo- 
ple towards us, with which, at my request, they were made ac- 
quainted. The quantity of food thus furnished was enormous, suf- 
ficient it seems, probably, to have sunk our boat, if it could have 
been taken into her. Besides large quantities of the mountain 
plantain, and a variety of other vegetables and fruits, there were 
several fowls ; and I observed among the crowd, a black pig teth- 
ered. The native boat's crew, who had brought us from Papeete, 
fared sumptuously for two days on the occasion ; and I believe the 
major part was consumed, or carried oflfby them, as is customary, 
and expected at such times. 

" At four o'clock, P. M., the people assembled in the meeting- 
house, where I had full opportunity to clear my mind towards 
them. The district on this peninsula being quite distinct from those 
on the other, it was needful that my certificates should be read, as 
none of the people could have previously heard them. They were 
read accordingly, with ample explanation, by J. M. Orsmond, be- 
fore I stood on my feet. The people were turned to the light of 
Christ Jesus in their own hearts. They were told that their being 
members of an outward and visible church would not avail them 
in the great and awful day of account : that they must be members 
of the true Gospel church, the church triumphant, whose names 
are written in heaven ; and unless this was attained whilst here, it 
would be too late, for it cannot be done hereafter : there is no 
work nor device in the grave, &c. Showing them how the primi- 
tive believers, through the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better 
things than that of Abel, attained to it in their day, and that it is 
equally as attainable at this day, through the purifying operations 
of the Holy Spirit. 1 urged and encouraged them to persevere in 
this great and important work, earnestly desiring that they might 
not rest satisfied with an empty profession, but that they might 
come into the possession of the inestimable pearl, the pearl of great 
price, the truth, as it is in Jesus. 

" It was indeed a solid and solemn opportunity, and one of those 
which I afterwards learned left the people hungering, I trust, for 



88 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

heavenly bread ; whilst to myself it was productive of that soul- 
enriching peace, which can only be purchased by sharing in the 
blessed Master's cup of sufferings, of which I had drank, and un- 
der which I had been heavily bowed down during the afternoon, 
before going to the meeting, and there also. And now how can 
I sufficiently acknowledge and declare the condescending mercy 
and loving-ldndness of my gracious Lord God, who in a particular 
manner was pleased to warm the hearts of those dear people with 
his life-giving presence, making it an occasion truly memorable, 
and causing many of them to rejoice and abound with thanksgiv- 
ing to his praise and to his glory. The same evening the deacons 
of the church, (two,) Tetohi and Puna by name, came to J. M. 
Orsmond's house, and being seated with us, one of them produced 
a letter, written on behalf of the congregation at Tea-hu-poo ; 
which being directed to Daniel Wheeler, was opened by myself, 
and when literally translated by Samuel Wilson, and examined by 
J. M. Orsmond, and by him approved, was found to contain the 
address that followeth : — 

Translated Copy, dated at 

" Tea-hu-poo, 2Gth of June, 1835. 

" Dear Friends. — The ministers with the Brethren and Sisters 
in London. 

" Peace be unto you, in the true God Jehovah, and in Jesus 
Christ his Son, who came into the world to save sinful men : — we 
indeed are sinful men. Here is Daniel Wheeler amongst us ; and 
he has made known unto us all the good words of Jesus Christ. 
And comfort has grown in our hearts ; and great pleasure has been 
to us from his words, concerning the words of Jesus the Messiah. 

" It was indeed very great pleasure in his saying to us, Jesus is 
the pearl of great price. It is a pearl good within, and good with- 
out. And many have been the good words that he has spoken to 
us. Now indeed we know assuredly he has true love to the bre- 
thren and sisters in all places where the things of Jesus are held. 
In that love he has come amongst us : and indeed our love is grown 
towards him and his son, in their making known on their way the 
things of Jesus, and in their visit of love to all the brethren, and 
in inviting all to enter in to Jesus the Messiah. 

*' Signed on behalf of the Church, 

" Puna." 

"At the breaking up of the meeting in the afternoon, I told J. M. 
Orsmond, that I felt so much love to these people, I thought I 
should see them again : — when he proposed to meet me at the out- 
station on the other side of the peninsula next first-day but one, 
where he said he would collect the whole of the people from this 
place, and from the two other stations. I could not speak deci- 
sively at the moment, though expectation was given that it might 
probably be so. Since this conversation I have recollected, that 



DANIEL WHEELER. 89 

on leaving Tiarei last first-day, we Were told that the people from 
an out-station of that district had just arrived, in expectation that 
we should be again at the meeting in the afternoon. It seems right 
for me to go to the out-station on the other side of the peninsula, 
called Tautira ; and I find, on inquiry, that the Tiarei out-station 
can be visited at the same time, but that it will require fine wea- 
ther and a smooth sea to effect it. It must, however, be left for 
the present with Him who knows the thoughts of all our hearts, 
before whom I desire to stand in humble resignation and willing- 
ness to go or to stay, as seemeth him good. The two men who came 
with the letter before mentioned, (Tetohi and Puna) remained with 
us until near midnight ; and I think it may be said, that by the break- 
ing of bread our spiritual eyes were opened to perceive, that the 
great Master was there in marvellous condescension and mercy to 
bless the opportunity. It was indeed a heavenly banquet : and some 
of us, who had lain many days in the grave, were now, like Laza- 
rus, permitted to sit at the table with their Lord. I was reminded 
of the passover, and was constrained to declare amongst them, — 
This is the true supper — this is the sacrament indeed, as you call 
it. It could not be denied, for the Lord's power w^as over all. One 
of those present observed more than once, " This is what is so 
much wanting amongst us — spiritual religion: this is what is so 
much wanting." Daniel Wheeler then proceeds — " Hearken to the 
invitation of the Bridegroom of souls, held forth in the language 
of holy inspiration : ' Eat, O friends ; drink, yea, drink abundantly, 
O beloved !' Sweet is his voice, and his countenance comely. Let 
us hearken that so we may be favoured to hear it. Let us wait 
for it with our lamps trimmed, and our lights burning, with girded 
loins, like men that are waiting indeed for the coming of their Lord, 
for sweet is his voice, even the voice of Him, the same, and no 
other, who said, ' Behold I stand at the door and knock ; if any 
man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and 
will sup with him, and he with me.' Then let us hearken, so that 
we may hear, and be ready to open the doors of our hearts, that 
the King of Glory may come in. Blessed and happy are they 
that hear and obey ; they share in the highest, greatest, and richest 
heavenly favour bestowed on earth by the quickening Spirit of the 
Lord from heaven, upon poor, frail, mortal dust. These ' behold 
the King in his beauty,' and cannot refrain from declaring to 
others, that sweet is His voice, and his countenance comely. 

27th. " Rose early, and after breakfast took leave of the fami- 
ly, and embarked forthwith for Papara. We reached Mairi Pehe, 
(about forty miles,) before two o'clock, P. M. ; Samuel Henry rode 
on horseback to the Marai, whilst we pushed on in the boat, in- 
tending to meet together on the spot. This Marai was, during the 
days of idolatry, considered the most sacred place upon the island. 
It is spoken of by Captain James Cook, who visited it when in its 
fullest splendour. At present it appears to be nothing more than 



90 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

a stupendous heap of stones, almost hidden, with bushes and trees 
that have grown over it and the neighbourhood of it, where for- 
merly human sacrifices were plentifully offered. Parting with 
Samuel Henry, we continued our course to Papara, and passed 
through the opening of the reef with a strong current, before the 
sun went down. At this place the boys were amusing themselves 
in the surf, by lying at full length on their backs upon boards, and 
letting the rolling, curling breakers whirl them precipitately down 
the Hquid precipice to the gulf below. Some of the boys best ac- 
quainted with this slippery sport, by watching the proper moment 
to launch forth, were hurled with great velocity to considerable dis- 
tances, without being dislodged from their slippery board, while the 
unskilful would be impetuously rolled over by the curling wave, and 
for a time altogether hidden in the foam below. We were received 
with kindness by the ancient missionary, John Davies, at whose 
house we passed the night. 

28th. {First-day.) " At nine o'clock, A. M., the Tahitian wor- 
ship commenced. John Davies had previously told me, that if I 
should have any thing to speak to the people, he himself would in- 
terpret for me. When the customary service was gone through, 
and John Davies came down from his pulpit, I rose and stood near 
him." When the attention of the people was attracted, and still- 
ness prevailed, Daniel Wheeler communicated what was upon his 
mind, and he adds, — " notwithstanding there was reason to appre- 
hend that many would be able to collect but a small part of what 
was said, on account of the feeble state of the interpreter, yet it 
was so evident that the Divine presence and power reigned over 
all, that I had to appeal to the people as witnesses to the solemniz- 
ing influence with which we were favoured. I trust the Lord alone 
was exalted this day and magnified ; and the people turned to their 
true teacher, Christ Jesus, whose name shall be great in every na- 
tion, from the rising of the sun to the going down of the same. 
Whatever might be the feelings of others on this occasion, I am 
not aware ; it was to myself a highly favoured, precious season, 
the sense and remembrance of which is relieving, and still abiding : 
and although some days have now passed away since this event 
took place, it yet raises in my heart a tribute of thanksgiving, and 
a song of praise to my great, and bountiful, and ever merciful Cre- 
ator and Preserver. 

" One part of this journey from Papara to this place, was at- 
tended with considerable risk, by a violent current, (occasioned by 
some alteration which had occurred in the wind, driving immense 
bodies of water from the ocean, through the open parts of the reef,) 
causing broken water in every direction, through the midst of 
which we were compelled to pass, surrounded by innumerable 
spires and stones of coral rock that presented themselves in every 
direction ; and through the narrow winding intricacies of which 
we were sometimes whirled in a frightful manner, but safely con- 



DANIEL WHEELER. 91 

ducted through them all without any disaster; although the Ta- 
hitians were thrown into confusion, which added materially to the 
risk we were encountering, by their hastily rising from their seats. 

" We staid a short time at the house of David Darling, and then 
proceeded with a fresh and favourable wind towards Papeete. 
Soon after passing through the opening from the ocean, to get 
within the next range of reef, the wind which had been fair, died 
away, and then sprung up directly opposite to the course of the 
boat. We were favoured to reach the ' Henry Freeling,' about 
an hour after dark, and to find all well on board. 

30th. " Yesterday employed on board most of the day. In 
the evening wrote late to bring up my Journal, which had fallen 
behind for want of opportunity suitable to write it, while absent 
from the ship. To-day still looking forward towards the Tautira 
journey, and shall be thankful to feel clearness and strength from 
my heavenly Father, whether by staying or going." On this day 
Daniel Wheeler received the following letter from the queen of 
Tahiti. 

A Hteral translation of the letter, by Samuel Wilson, of Point 
Venus. 

" Tahiti, SOth of June, 1835. 

" I do away with the money for the anchoring of the vessel. 
This is the reason why I do away with it, because thine is a visit 
of love, and not a trading voyage. If it was a trading voyage, it 
would not be done away with : I would still demand the money 
for the anchoring : but because thine is a visit of love, I have not 
therefore demanded the money. 

(Signed,) " Pomare V." 
" Health to thee and thy son in your (two) voyaging." 
"Na Daniella Wira." 



CHAPTER VII. 



Set out for Tautira — a native " feeding" — meetings at Tautira — visit to Hitea — a solemn op- 
portunity — public meeting — return to the Henry Freeling — meeting for the white residents 
— obstructions to the progress of religion— visit to the ^een — meeting for the white resi- 
dents on board the Henry Freeling — letters from home— distribution of books — ^meeting on 
board the " Charles Carrol." 

1st of Seventh month. "In the forenoon busily employed in 
preparing packages to send to the stations of Papara and Taiara- 
pu, to make some amends for the trouble our late journey had oc- 
casioned. The eldest son of Tati, the principal chief at Papara, 
came on board to dinner. His behaviour throughout would have 



92 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

done credit to a people much farther advanced in civiUzation than 
the Tahitians. Before going away he was furnished with a razor, 
a pair of strong scissors, a pocket-knife, and a pen-knife for his 
father ; and also with articles of the same description for himself, 
and a work-bag for the wives of both parties. Before he left us, 
George Pritchard came on board to bid us farewell, as the vessel 
in which he was about to sail was getting under weigh. He was 
going to visit the missions at the Leeward Islands, forming the 
Society group, and afterwards intending to proceed to the Mar- 
quesas to see the state of things there, and to bring back David 
DarUng, who w^ent thither several months ago to estabUsh the 
missionaries, Stalworthy and Rogerson, on those islands. Got on 
shore for exercise towards the cool of the day. In the evening, 
Samuel Wilson and Dr. Yaughan came on board. 

2nd. " Prepared ourselves, expecting that we should have to 
be in readiness to proceed on our way towards Tautira, either late 
this evening, or at a very early hour to-morrow morning, so that 
we might have a few hours to spare to contend with the wind, if 
it should prove too strongly opposed to us. A whale-boat and a 
crew of Tahitians were accordingly provided for our journey. 
After our interpreter, Samuel Wilson, came on board, we were 
soon convinced of the propriety of moving forward this afternoon, 
in order to make sure of the object before us, as much as laid in 
our power. 

*< With exertion we got off at half-past four o'clock, and were 
scarcely seated in the boat, when it was discovered, that the wind 
which had blown favourably all the day, was now changed against 
us. The men had a heavy pull up to Point Venus, (of late years 
called Matarai,) where we landed, and drank tea at Charles Wil- 
son's: There was a Httle delay at the sea-side, while our men fin- 
ished their vegetable meal, and then set forward again ; but the 
wind continuing fresh against us, it was eleven o'clock at night 
before it was reported that we were abreast of the narrow en- 
trance to Tiarei ; and the moon which had shone beautifully all 
the evening, was now sunk behind the island, just at a moment 
when most needed to light us through the difficult opening in the 
reef. But having witnessed beforetime the danger of missing the 
passage in the dark, and seeing the great utility of timely rousing 
the sleeping natives, I did not fail to urge this precaution being 
adopted, as soon as we feegan to steer shorewards. As we drew 
near the breakers, the crew shouted and yelled in true native cha- 
racter, until answered by one of the people on the shore, who was 
presently seen running with a lighted torch in his hand, and soon 
took up his station directly opposite the narrow pass through the 
reef. On nearing the coast, it was found that we were only a few 
yards to the eastward of it, and sufficiently distant to allow of the 
boat's head being turned in a fair direction, without touching the 
rock. A few surges hove us through this httle gulf into smooth 



DANIEL WHEELER. 93 

water ; and the crew taking us upon their backs, soon placed their 
burden upon the sandy beach, beyond the reach of the agitated 
waters. 

" Upon arriving at the ancient missionary's dwelHng, it was as- 
certained that the family were all asleep ; but, however undesira- 
ble, there was no alternative but that of disturbing them, to afford 
us shelter for a few hours, as the boat's crew were too much ex- 
hausted by having had so long to contend against both the wind and 
the swell of the sea, to proceed further without rest. I believe, as 
regarded ourselves, we should have preferred spending the re- 
mainder of the night in the boat, as the wind is most gentle in the 
night season, when it has been strong during the day. WiUiam 
Henry himself soon gave us a hearty welcome, and allowed us to 
set out in the morning as early as we thought proper, without 
waiting for breakfast. 

3d. " Rising before day, we departed without seeing any of the 
inmates belonging to the house, and continued our course towards 
Tautira. As the morning advanced, the wind freshened against 
us, and before noon, was so much increased, that it was concluded 
best to run in the boat at the first aperture that the coral-clad shore 
should present for our relief: and just at the moment when the 
united strength of the men was scarcely able to impel her for- 
ward, we found ourselves opposite to a narrow passage, but suffi- 
ciently wide, with skilful management, to admit of our entering it 
with safety ; and a native from the nearest hut placed himself as 
a beacon for our guide. On landing, the boat was immediately 
hauled up to rescue her from the invasion of the breaking surf. 
The hut, not far distant, proved to be the residence of a chief, 
who, we were informed, was gone forward to Tautira with our 
friend J. M. Orsmond, who had arrived that morning at Pahua, 
the place we had now reached, on his way from Tea-hu-poo to 
Tautira. From hence it seemed best to despatch a letter by a 
messenger to him, to say that we had arrived at this point, and 
were only waiting for the force of the wind to lessen, when it 
was our intention to proceed, so as to reach the place of destina- 
tion as early as might be, that evening, which would allow the 
whole of next day {seventh,) for the information to spread, in the 
hope that the meeting-house would be filled with people the next 
morning. 

" Having had but little to refresh us since leaving Point Venus 
the preceding evening, two o'clock the next afternoon was rather 
a late breakfast hour ; the resident natives had, however, lost no 
time in preparing some food for us. After our arrival, they killed 
and roasted whole a good sized pig upon hot stones, covered over 
with leaves and then with wood ashes, with bread-fruit, tarro, and 
the mountain plantain. When this * feeding,' as they term it, was 
ready, and the floor covered over to a considerable extent with the 
large leaves of the purau-tree, it was presented to us in a formal 

9 



94 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

manner, with a bundle of the island cloth, (made from the beaten 
bark of the bread-fruit-tree,) according to the custom of the coun- 
try. The company then sat down upon the floor, consisting of 
Samuel Wilson, Charles and myself, with the boat's crew close to 
us, but according to usage, forming a distinct party. One of our 
men, who had acted the part of cook, cut up the pig, using a knife 
with one hand, and holding the victim with the other. We had a 
solemn pause before beginning to dine, and all remained still until 
this was over. When the carver had well separated the pig into 
a variety of shapeless lumps, he threw some of them to us, and the 
rest to his comrades, and the whole was pretty soon out of sight. 
The milk of fresh-pulled young cocoa-nuts furnished our drink, and 
salt water, in calabashes, fresh from the Pacific to- dip the food in, 
was used instead of salt : this we found to be an excellent substi- 
tute. When nearly ready to depart, about six yards off a piece of 
pocket handkerchiefs was given to the man that had charge of the 
premises during the absence of the owner. It may be said that 
we dined in public, as the place was pretty well crowded with 
lookers on, principally women and children. 

" We got nicely out of the creek, and the wind, now much low- 
er, although still opposing, allowed us to proceed with less diffi- 
culty. The day was nearly closing when we reached Tautira, situ- 
ate at almost the easternmost end of the island ; it is a stragghng 
village, and is only about ten miles distant from Tea-hu-poo, where 
we had been the preceding week ; the whole belonging to the dis- 
trict under J. M. Orsmond's care. On approaching the mouth of 
the river, this active missionary was discovered in waiting to wel- 
come our arrival. He conducted us to the residence (when here) 
of the queen, at which place we remained during our stay in the 
neighbourhood. In a short time after reaching these premises our 
attention was awakened by the voice of a person speaking aloud, 
in as high a tone as could be well imagined. This man, we were 
told, was the queen's speaker, who was come in her name, that of 
the church, and of the whole of the inhabitants, to welcome us to 
Tautira. On going to him at the door, he delivered a sort of con- 
gratulatory address, which happily was soon over ; as the man 
spoke so loud as to be quite fearful to our ears. After partaking 
of some refreshment, in true Tahitian style, the deacons and some 
others of the congregation assembled in the room, and one of them 
read a portion of Scripture, and prayed at considerable length. 
When this was finished, a general conversation followed, princi- 
pally on our coming to visit them, and of a serious nature. We 
retired to rest about nine o'clock ; J. M. Orsmond stretched him- 
self upon a strong bench with a back to it, something like a sofa, 
Samuel Wilson upon a mat on the floor, and Charles and myself 
upon a mat spread over a raised frame, and supported by open 
work, made from the bark of a tree, which I thought an excellent 
bed. At this place I found my gimlets particularly useful in keep- 



DANIEL WHEELER. 95 

ing my clothing a considerable height above the floor, by which 
they were not only out of the damp, but avoided the vermin, which 
were very annoying, and of various kinds. A house-lizard was 
caught upon the wall in the course of the evening ; and although 
the house had been built several years, it had never had doors ; so 
that dogs, rats, &c., had free access to any part of it. It w^as 
however to myself a peaceful and comfortable asylum. 

" Next morning, the 4th of Seventh month, we visited the prin- 
cipal part of the town or village, after having been presented with 
an ample feeding in due form by its inhabitants, accompanied, as 
usual, by a bundle of island-made cloth, and many assurances of 
welcome. This feeding fell into the hands of our boat's crew. A 
quantity of vegetables were unconsumed when the place was left, 
and they took away with them at least seven fowls alive. In the 
afternoon the body of the congregation assembled to receive us, 
where my certificates were read, and three persons spoke in strong 
terms of approbation and thankfulness at our coming amongst 
them, and of the satisfaction that had been conveyed to their minds 
by the language contained in the certificates. I had to speak a 
few sentences to them in reference to the certificates, declaring 
that I had no other motive for visiting them, than that the fulness 
of the blessing of the Gospel might be theirs; that some of them then 
present must have witnessed what the effect had been, as far as it 
had already been faithfully embraced ; what then must be the re- 
sult, when all the dreadful passions which pervade the human 
breast are brought under its benign and heavenly influence 1 no- 
thing less than peace on earth, good will towards men : at which 
none of them could refrain from rejoicing in the prospect, and 
uniting together in giving God the glory. On their being informed 
that my intention was to stay with them over the forenoon meeting 
to-morrow, and then endeavour to proceed to Hitea, they came 
forward, and in a pressing manner, desired us to stay over the 
sabbath, and spend the whole day with them. This, however, I 
could not decide upon at the moment ; but a reason being given, 
which made its probability doubtful, they were in measure pre- 
pared not to expect it. Some of the people seemed much disap- 
pointed at my not being willing to accept of small presents of 
shells, &c. I requested J. M. Orsmond to inform them, that I 
sought not theirs, but them ; their souls to God. 

5th. (First-day.) " It is a litttle remarkable, that to-day should 
be the opening of a newly erected meeting-house, (only finished 
yesterday) of large dimensions. This building is erected upon the 
site of an ancient Marai, a place where preposterous scenes of 
idolatry and superstition had for ages been exhibited. At half-past 
eight o'clock the children of the school assembled to be catechized, 
and at nine o'clock the regular congregation gathered. The meet- 
ing was well attended ; and Samuel Wilson performed the duties, 
which at other times devolve upon the resident missionary at each 



96 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

station. Towards the close of their meeting, I was strengthened 
to stand up, and to recite the query of our blessed Lord, ' Who is 
my mother ? and who are my brethren V which led on to the gra- 
cious answer given by himself, after looking round upon his disci- 
ples ; ' Behold my mother and my brethren ! for whosoever shall 
do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my bro- 
ther, and sister, and mother.' 

*' The people were very attentive in the neighbourhood of the 
place where I stood, and full opportunity w^as afforded for me to 
clear my mind, and the everlasting blessed truth was set over all. 
It had been previously fixed for us to set off towards Hitea as soon 
as this meeting was ended, in order to reach that place in time for 
the afternoon gathering there, yet it did not seem as if I had fully 
done with them at Tautira. The morning had been rainy, with 
thunder, and the general appearance of the weather now became 
more than ever threatening. The wind had shifted, and it was 
blowing strong from the point to which we wanted to go. Upon 
inquiry of those best acquainted with the distance from place to 
place, and the effect which the present strong wind and swell of 
the sea would have in retarding our progress, with the probability 
of our not being able to make much headway in the heavy gusts 
which frequently broke forth, it appeared to be the general opinion 
that it was not practicable for us to arrive in time for the after- 
noon meeting at Hitea. This, with the information that the natives 
never travel themselves in rainy weather, nor expect strangers to 
do so, determined me without hesitation to remain with the peo- 
ple of Tautira, and I had satisfaction in believing, that I should be 
in the right place ; the tempestuous state of the weather, as the 
afternoon advanced, served to confirm the propriety of the mea- 
sure adopted. 

" In the afternoon meeting, I had to tell the people, on standing 
up, that however contrary to my expectation, I was fully persuaded 
that my sitting amongst them again was not only in the will of the 
God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, but in his everlasting 
love to their immortal souls, in which my heart was greatly en- 
larged. Many solemn and incontrovertible truths were brought 
to my remembrance to speak before them, under a fresh and re- 
newed influence of heavenly strength, graciously vouchsafed, en- 
abling me to sound an alarm, and to point out the repenting sin- 
ner's sure and never-failing friend and refuge, Christ Jesus, the 
Lord of life and glory; I humbly hope to the exaltation of the great 
and adorable name of the just and merciful, and only true God, and 
our Saviour. 

" Just as the meeting was about to break up, the attention of the 
people was arrested by an individual asking me in Enghsh, whe- 
ther I could speak encouragingly, and with confidence, that the 
day was not far distant when the reign of the Messiah would be 
universal in the earth. I told him that I could speak with the full- 



DANIEL WHEELER. 97 

est confidence of all the great and precious promises recorded in 
Holy Writ, connected with this important and interesting subject. 
As to the day being not far distant which he spoke of, 1 was one 
of those who believed that it was already come into the hearts of 
those who believed in the inward and spiritual appearance of the 
Lord Jesus by his Holy Spirit — who loved him, and obeyed his 
voice. The substance of what had passed was then imparted to 
the people at large. We then separated, under a solemn feeling, 
better and more easily to be conceived than described. The wea- 
ther cleared up in the evening ; and a feeling pervaded, as if nO' 
thing had been lost by the delay, which it had apparently occa- 
sioned. 

" On the 6th of Seventh month, after a break-of-day breakfast, 
of baked pork, the mountain plantain, and cocoa-nut milk, we took 
leave, and departed, with a favourable prospect, for Hitea. We 
had not rowed much more than an hour, when the trade- wind sprung 
up in our favour, and drove us along the coast so quickly, that by 
ten o'clock, A. M., we were abreast of the out-station about to be 
visited. On landing, we met with Etoti and Paofai, two brothers, 
and principals amongst the inland chiefs, then on travel towards 
Papara. With both these men I had been acquainted from almost 
the first of our setting foot on Tahitian ground. We were in- 
formed that the people had been collected, in expectation of our 
arrival the preceding day to the afternoon meeting, but that the 
weather had accounted for our absence. At first I thought, that 
having made two attempts to see these people, viz., when first at 
Tiarei, they arrived too late, and now again on returning from 
Tautira, on each occasion, prevented by the weather from seeing 
them assembled as proposed, that I might venture to move for- 
ward towards the Bay of Papeete, where we left our vessel lying: 
but on being informed and assured that if I would stay till next 
morning, a meeting would be held in due course at sun-rise, and 
that many people would attend, I found that I could do no less 
than make the sacrifice of another day, by remaining on the spot,, 
however inconveniently circumstanced. The idea that I might 
venture to move on, and pass by these people, had been none other 
than a plausible suggestion of the grand enemy ; but I was deliv- 
ered out of his hand. This being agreed upon, and made known, 
we were shown to an empty house, similar to a large bird-cage in 
appearance, perhaps occasionally occupied, though having but little 
trace of that to be seen. 

" This house was built with open lattice-walls, and screens of 
cocoa-nut branches to keep out the wind. The floors were covered 
with withered grass, from long use, in very dirty condition, be- 
cause laid upon loose earth, in a low and damp situation. There 
were latticed divisions which made four apartments, but not a door 
either within or without. The people soon brought us a supply of 
food, according to their custom of treating strangers ; and in due 

9* 



98 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

time beds were prepared upon posts driven into the earth, which 
consisted of clean mats spread upon frames for us to lie on. We 
paid a visit to the resident chief, to whom I was no stranger, hav- 
ing seen him more than once on board the vessel. At his house a 
large feeding was preparing, to which we were invited, but de- 
clined to partake of it. In the course of the afternoon we looked 
round the neighbourhood ; and after the evening's refreshment of 
ourselves and boat's crew, the governor, and the elders, or dea- 
cons of the church, with a native teacher, came to visit us. These 
were soon followed by a number of men, women, and children, 
and when the room in which we sat was pretty well filled with 
guests, squatted on the floor, the adjoining room was occupied by 
others as they came in, which were only separated from the rest 
by open lattice- work ; through this they could distinctly see and 
hear, and be heard, almost as well as if we had been together in 
the same place. The result of what followed was truly comfort- 
ing and consoling. On inquiring of the native teacher, through 
the medium of Samuel Wilson, our interested and highly interest- 
ing companion and interpreter, whether there was any indication 
that would encourage and justify a hope that some few among the 
people were desirous to improve in those things that accompany 
life and salvation ; he said that there were instances where this 
was, he thought, discernible, and that he himself was very desirous 
and anxious that this should be the case ; that he laboured hard 
for it, greatly desiring to work, while it is day. I said, where 
there is such a desire in the teacher, and a correspondent one in 
the object of his care, a happy result, under the Divine blessing, 
could scarcely fail to be produced, (or to this import.) I told him, 
however, that although the text he had mentioned might in some 
degree be applicable to the work in which he was engaged, yet I 
did conceive it was more so, as regarded the great work of 
regeneration in the heart of man. That this great and important, 
and indispensable work, could be done only while the light of the 
day of merciful visitation was extended, and if this unhappily be 
overlooked and neglected, a night of darkness will assuredly fol- 
low, in which no man can work. ' If, therefore, the light that is 
in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness.' That there was 
a day of visitation extended to every son and daughter of Adam, 
sufficiently long for them all to work out their own soul's salva- 
tion, with fear and trembling ; and it was also as certain, that this 
day might, from one cause or other, be overlooked and withstood, 
or suffered to pass away unimproved and neglected. That this 
Was evident from the language of the compassionate Saviour, 
when he lamented and wept over the city of Jerusalem : * If thou 
hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things 
which belong unto thy peace, but now they are hid from thine 
eyes.' * How often would I have gathered thy children together, 
as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would 



DANIEL WHEELER. 99 

not.' Which plainly shows that her children might have been 
gathered ; but, alas ! they would not, because they knew not the 
day of their visitation; their destruction was of themselves. As 
we proceeded with this kind of conversation, the company more 
and more settled down into serious thoughtfulness. One person, 
however, seemed very desirous to understand what was my real 
object in coming to their island ; several reasons were alleged, but 
they were evidently not comprehended or not satisfactory. The 
spirituality of the Gospel dispensation was gradually brought before 
the view of their minds, and it was strikingly evident, that there 
was a fertile soil, or good ground prepared by the ever-blessed 
husbandman, in the hearts of some present, for the reception of the 
sacred truths that were afterwards disclosed to their view. 

" At the close of this opportunity such a solemnity spread over 
us, as could not be mistaken, even had the doors been shut, for 
peace be unto you, although not outwardly proclaimed, was known 
and felt to be amongst us by some present. Some of them could 
not forbear expressing their inward state, and their fear, from the 
uncertainty they were in, as to the future well-being of their im- 
mortal souls. It was indeed a season never to be forgotten, for it 
se'emed as if some of their hearts were laid open by the Almighty 
Searcher, and a willingness wrought to confess their sins, and to 
call on the name of the Lord, through the powerful efficacy of re- 
deeming love shed abroad therein, and working in them to will and 
to do of the Lord':: good pleasure. To the praise of the riches of 
his grace be it faithfully recorded, in characters which can never 
be defaced whilst memory holds her place. At a late hour we 
adjourned until sunrise next morning, the 7th of the Seventh month, 
when the people generally assembled in a commodious meeting- 
house. 

" As this w as a meeting held in regular course of their own, the 
accustomed duties were performed by Samuel Wilson, who acted 
instead of their native teacher. My certificates were then read, 
which seemed to prepare the minds of the people for the solemn 
season with which we were afterwards favoured. I had a fine 
open time amongst them, during which the path to the kingdom 
was pointed out, and set before them ; wherein a wayfaring man, 
though a fool, cannot err : the state of mind which must be attain- 
ed to by all, before true spiritual worship can be performed, and 
accepted by him, w^ho only is worshipped in spirit and in truth, 
was, I trust, declared in plainness. I had largely to treat on the 
all-sufficiency of the ' light,' the ' grace,' which hath appeared to all 
men, bringing salvation to all men ; teaching all men that by deny- 
ing ungodliness and the world's lusts, they should live soberly, 
righteously, and godly in this present world ; and commending 
them unto God and the word of his grace, which is able to build 
us up, and to give us an inheritance amongst those that are already 
sanctified by faith that is in Christ Jesus. I sat down with a 



100 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

thankful and peaceful mind. Before we separated, one of the 
people stood up, and thanked me, in the name of the queen and of 
the church. I requested Samuel Wilson to say, that no thanks 
were due to me. I had done no more than that which was my 
duty to do, and was only an unprofitable servant. After taking 
some refreshment, we proceeded to the boat, and the wind being 
fresh and fair, we sailed briskly along the coast to Tiarei. Our 
stay here was Umited, for fear of losing the wind, yet we did not 
like to pass by the mission-house altogether, whose inhabitants we 
might never see again. We had from hence a rapid passage to 
Point Venus, and were favoured to reach the ' Henry Freehng' 
the same afternoon, though late, and to find all well and comforta- 
ble on board. 

9th. " Since returning from Hitea, my attention has been turned 
towards the white residents in this neighbourhood, and I have en- 
deavoured to dwell under the prospect of collecting them together, 
with those from the different vessels, (now here) at eleven o'clock 
next Jirst-day. 

1 1th. " After breakfast, went by boat to inquire of Eliza Pritch- 
ard, (her husband having sailed for the Marquesas Islands,) w^hether 
there would be any meeting for the English to-morrow ; as in the 
morning matters so far opened, that I found it best to tell my 
Charles, I. did not see that I could do less than endeavour to meet 
the Enghsh residents to-morrow forenoon. But little information 
could, however, be obtained on the subject, until late in the evening, 
when a missionary from a distant station came on board to tell me 
that he had given notice of a meeting to be held on his own ac- 
count, but that he should be glad to turn it over to me. As he had 
appointed it himself, it seemed best to tell him that he must go on 
with it, but that I intended to be there ; and if I should have any- 
thing to offer, it would be only according to Gospel order. Our 
captain took considerable pains, late in the evening, to spread the 
information, that all persons inclining to attend might have an op- 
portunity of knowing there would be such a meeting held. 

12th. (First-day.) " Called at George Pritchard's house a little 
before the time appointed, to be in readiness, it being near the 
meeting-house. I met there with the missionary that had given 
notice last evening, who wished me (as he expressed it) to begin 
the service of the meeting. I w^as best satisfied to decline the offer, 
as he had personally given notice of it, and by those unto whom he 
had spoken, it was certainly understood to be for himself: if it had 
been appointed for me, it could only begin in silent waiting upon 
God. It afterwards occurred to me, however, that at a proper 
time it would be safest for me, if found needful, to spread the sub- 
ject before the meeting when collected together, and believing that 
I should have to speak to the people, I availed myself of an inter- 
val, (when the missionary had read the fourteenth chapter of Luke, 
and said a prayer,) to step upon the base of the pulpit, which was 



DANIEL WHEELER. 101 

raised more than a foot above the floor, and state that, — As this 
meeting was not specifically appointed on my account, it might be 
considered out of order to open my mouth in it ; but as we might 
never have the opportunity of meeting together again, I had been 
made wilhng to attend it, and in the ability which might be given 
me, to minister in it if called upon: that such a mode of procedure 
would still be only in accordance with the true order of the Gospel : 
but, if any should consider it an intrusion, I hoped they would 
speak and object, and I believed I should be satisfied with having 
made this offer. No one spoke, until the missionary said, * he be- 
lieved there was not the least objection in the minds of any pre- 
sent.' " In the course of the meeting Daniel Wheeler expressed 
what was upon his mind at considerable length. The people be- 
haved in a solid manner, and a solemn covering prevailed. 
• 13th. "Employed onboard most of the day. Omitted mention- 
ing that last week a canoe from Tea-hu-poo, and another from 
Tautira, reached the ship. In both these canoes were persons 
with whom we had social and religious intercourse at the places 
where they reside. Their coming afforded an opportunity to send 
clothing and slates for some of the most diligent children at the 
district schools in those parts ; and nails suitable for general pur- 
poses, to the different congregations. As the dear people compos- 
ing them had abundantly more than administered to my wants 
when amongst them, it was a relief to be enabled to return their 
kindness. 

" There are so many aggravated circumstances which contribute 
to lessen the desire of the people for religion, that the present pros- 
pect of things here is truly discouraging; added to which, the 
landing of spirituous liquors is permitted or winked at, from the 
English whalers and traders from the colonies of New South 
Wales, and those from America, which are much more numer- 
ous than the British. Hopeless indeed will be every attempt to 
Christianize the natives of those islands, that are labouring under 
and exposed to these disadvantages, which must ever obstruct the 
free course of the Gospel. 

15th. "This afternoon went up to Papaoa in one of our own 
boats. On our return we called to take leave of the queen. We 
found her sitting on the step at the back-door, with -several of her 
chiefs squatted round about her, one of whom had been reading to 
the others, until interrupted by our approach. The king was sitting 
on a wall, eating part of a cocoa-nut. For want of an interpreter, 
I had no opportunity to acknowledge the indulgence of the queen, 
Pomare, for remitting the port-charges upon our vessel. Reached 
the ' Henry Freeling' before dark. Soon after our return, the 
carpenter of the vessel was seized with violent inflammatory symp- 
toms, which had increased so rapidly by eleven o'clock P. M., that 
a boat was despatched for Doctor Vaughan. John Norris, one of 
our strongest seamen, has for some days been rendered totally 



102 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

unfit for duty, by a similar attack, and the apprentice is nearly 
useless with an inflamed leg. Many persons on shore, both natives 
and foreigners, are in a weak state, occasioned, it is thought, by 
the coolness of the night air, while the sun by day emits a scorch- 
ing heat. We have great cause to be thankful for the blessing of 
health so graciously bestowed upon us, whilst visiting the different 
stations on every part of the island, notwithstanding the great 
dampness of the lodging-places which fell to our lot, and the va- 
riety of food, to which we were for the most part wholly unaccus- 
tomed ; at the same time exposed to every sort of weather in an 
open boat, in heavy dews, at times for hours together. The dis- 
tance travelled on these occasions exceeded three hundred miles; 
but, for the most part, under the reefs of shelving coral, which 
skirt thp island in many places in a wonderfully providential man- 
ner : where these do not extend, the swellings of the Pacific had 
to be encountered. The rapid boiling currents, in some places, 
rendered our situation perilous at times ; but the Lord was nigh, 
sustaining us through all, and making our way prosperous in a re- 
markable manner, as already described and recorded in some of 
the most favourable interviews with the people, and I humbly trust, 
to the exaltation of His own great and ever excellent name. Who 
would not fear Him 1 Who would not serve Him ? 

16th. (Fifth-day.) " The fore part of the morning much unset- 
tled by the natives being more numerous on board than usual ; but 
a large ship appearing in the offing, served to attract most of them 
away, as she approached nearer to the reefs. This ship proved to 
be the ' Charles Carroll,' Reuben Weeks, master ; out twenty months 
from Rhode Island, in America. It was quite a relief to be per- 
mitted to sit down in quiet silence this morning, although much 
was found still remaining to cause a painful struggle between flesh 
and spirit. 

18th. " Yesterday, (with the exception of taking our usual 
exercise on shore about sun-down,) busily employed on board, 
amongst other things, in selecting copies of the Scriptures in the 
EngUsh, French, Spanish and Portuguese languages ; a large num- 
ber of religious tracts, and some standard works and writings of 
Friends for Samuel Wilson. This morning, called on board the 
American ship ' Charles Carroll,' for a short time. My mind has 
at times, both yesterday and to-day, been occupied with the pros- 
pect of holding another meeting with the white inhabitants residing 
in this neighbourhood, together with the crews of the vessels in the 
bay, and any other persons that understand English. On consider- 
ing this subject, it seemed best to hold this meeting on board the 
* Henry Freeling.' It was late in the afternoon, before I ventured 
to disclose my prospect to my son Charles and captain Keen, lest 
instead of being found following my heavenly Guide, I should be 
detected in having, through mistaken zeal, got before him, and 
missed the way. 



DANIEL WHEELER* 103 

19th. {First-day.) "In the morning early, the deck of the 
* Henry Freeling' (with the assistance of some planks furnished 
from the ' Charles Carroll,' and our own resources) was prepared 
with seats in readiness for the intended meeting. At half-past ten 
o'clock, our own boats, and one from the American ship, were 
employed to convey the people on board from the different parts 
of the shore, and soon after eleven, the meeting was comfortably 
settled. As there were a number of persons present who had never 
before attended a Friends' meeting, and were wholly unacquainted 
with the manner in which they are conducted, it seemed best, after 
we had sat for some time, to suggest the necessity of our endea- 
vouring to restrain all wandering thoughts and imaginations, that 
we might be sensible of the Lord's Hfe-giving presence, if perad- 
venture we should be favoured therewith ; and also be the better 
prepared to receive any thing He might please to give for expres- 
sion, for our edification and refreshment, or words to this import 
A covering of solemnity now drew over the assembly, and con- 
tinued in a precious manner, under which, I was strengthened and 
raised up to speak of the ways of the Lord amongst them; repeat- 
ing the expressions to his disciples, which so beautifully illustrate 
the immediate connexion between himself and the church, under 
the similitude of the vine and its branches. ' I am the vine, ye are 
the branches ; he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bring- 
eth forth much fruit : for without me ye can do nothing.' And if 
we stand in need of help to wade through the common occurren- 
ces of human life, how much more needful then the assistance of 
his Holy Spirit, when thus assembled together for the professed 
purpose of worshipping that God, who ' is a Spirit,' and must be 
worshipped ' in Spirit and in truth.' After this, I had to speak of 
the excellency and efficacy of silent waiting upon Almighty God, 
in order to be qualified for the right performance of this spiritual 
worship, to which we as a Society have always borne a faithful 
testimony, that mankind might be turned to the onty true teacher 
of His people, Christ Jesus, without whom we can do nothing, but 
all things by and through the strengthening influence of his Holy 
Spirit. Contrasting the worship under the law, with that under 
the present glorious Gospel dispensation, unlimited in its extent as 
to time and place, but which can never be acceptably performed, 
while we continue in sin and transgression, because it must be 
done in the beauty of holiness, and in newness of life, through the 
blessed aid of the Holy Spirit, in Spirit and in truth. I had strongly 
to press the necessity of ev^ery individual's turning inward, and of 
diligently seeking an acquaintance with this manifestation of the 
Holy Spirit, a measure of which is mercifully bestowed upon every 
son and daughter of the human race ; and which, if sought unto, 
would set their sins in order before them, in love and mercy, that 
they might repent and be saved from them. Appealing to them, 
whether they had not been sensible of the strivings of this blessed 



104 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

Spirit, when sin had been committed : at the same time declaring 
that it might be withstood and rebelled against, until it ceased to 
strive, and themselves be suffered to go on, adding sin to sin, with- 
out feeling its reproofs and checks. If this light (of Christ) in thee 
be darkness, how great is that darkness ! thus would the day of 
their visitation be passed over, and they know it not; and this 
light, if once withdrawn and extinguished in Divine displeasure, 
could never be rekindled, although before they might often have 
been gathered, like Jerusalem of old. The heads above quoted 
may suffice to show the substance of what I had to express amongst 
them, though but a small part of the whole. The Lord has been 
pleased to favour us with many blessed meetings ; but this for so- 
lemnity and stillness, exceeded all. * Blessed be the Lord God, the 
God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things ; and blessed be 
his glorious name for ever : and let the whole earth be filled with 
his glory. Amen, and Amen.' 

" Our two sick men continue in a precarious state, and their ab- 
sence from duty seems to protract our stay here, but I believe it is 
in the Divine will ; and though sensible of almost daily increasing 
infirmities, arising from the decay of nature, yet I am mercifully 
supported in humble resignation to whatever may yet be in reserve 
for me to accomplish, being fully persuaded and taught to confide 
in the all-sufficiency of that Almighty power, that can, at His 
pleasure, help me to run through a troop of difficulties and be- 
setments, and to leap over a wall of opposition and unbelief. And 
as I believe it to be so, why should I not say, in the language of 
the apostle, ' I can do all things through Christ which strengthen- 
eth me.' 

*' On second-day morning, the 20th inst., began to prepare the 
vessel for sea, in the hope that our two invalids will soon be restored 
to health, though at present much reduced and extremely weak. 

"On third-day, the 21st., Elijah Armitage arrived from the 
island of Moorea, or Eimeo, charged with a packet of letters for 
us, from London, which had been left there by the * Ulitea,' Captain 
Hunter, from Sidney, New South Wales, on her w^ay to Raiatea. 
Our joy may be more easily conceived than described, more espe- 
cially on finding an uninterrupted series of favourable accounts 
from home, as well as, in the general, from others whom we also 
dearly love. They did not fail to raise in my heart a tribute of 
thankfulness and gratitude to the great Preserver of men, our 
Almighty and merciful Benefactor. 

23d. " By the mission, which is nearly ready to proceed to the 
Navigator's Islands, or Samoas, an eligible opportunity is afforded, 
through the medium of Samuel Wilson, for an extensive circulation 
of the Sacred Writings, and other books of a religious nature. We 
have accordingly furnished a supply of the Scriptures in the Eng- 
lish, French, Spanish, and Portuguese languages. As many white 
people and Europeans are known to be mingled amongst the inha- 



DANIEL WHEELER. 105 

bitants of this extensive group of islands; a large quantity of 
Friends' tracts, and of those from the Tract Society, were also 
selected for distribution through this channel. 

24th. " This forenoon the < Harmony* sailed for the Sandwich 
Islands. In this vessel, the mail brought from Sidney by the 
* Henry Freeling,' was duly forwarded. It would have been 
better for the people of Tahiti, if she had never entered the Bay of 
Papeete, having been a fruitful source of wickedness, from having 
landed a considerable quantity of rum, although all spirits are 
strictly prohibited by the present laws of that island. If all per- 
sons who contribute to the destruction of their fellow-creatures, 
by this or any other evil practice, were publicly stigmatized as 
the agents of Satan, and at all times shunned by virtuous char- 
acters, as unworthy of being noticed while persisting therein, it 
might, I think, be a means of compelling some of them to desist 
and to be ashamed of their conduct, and perhaps deter them from 
further adding sin to sin, in causing others to sin by their means. 
The 'Raiatea,' a vessel engaged to convey the mission to the 
Samoas, sailed soon after noon for Eimeo. 

" In the departure of Samuel Wilson for the Samoas, we have 
lost a most willing, competent, and faithful interpreter : but as he 
was provided for us in a manner altogether unexpected and un- 
looked-for, we may safely trust that we shall yet be cared for in 
this respect while amongst the islands which we have to visit of 
the Society group. 

25th. " At the close of the public meeting on board the ' Henry 
FreeHng,' last first-day morning, Reuben Weeks, the master of the 
' Charles Carroll,' expressed a desire that a meeting might be held 
on board his own vessel, when all the crew would be collected to- 
gether: of this I was afterwards informed. This did not escape 
my recollection, and my attention was frequently turned to it in 
the course of the past week, though until this morning I did not 
mention it; when I did not see how I should stand acquitted, with- 
out availing myself of the offered opportunity, and embracing it. 
Having mentioned the subject, after breakfast, to our captain and 
my Charles, I wished to ascertain whether if the meeting should 
be held on board the American ship to-morrow forenoon, it would 
be attended by the whole of the crew. There appearing no doubt 
on this head, I felt willing that Captain Keen should inform Reuben 
Weeks, that I had no objection to the meeting being held on board 
the * Charles Carroll,' provided the whole crew, without any com- 
pulsory measures being adopted, should be found willing to attend 
it, but that they should be left at their liberty to choose for them- 
selves in this matter. It is a regular custom, on board whahng- 
ships, when lying here, to allow one half of the seamen to be daily 
on shore for exercise ; and therefore I am desirous that all who 
may attend our meeting should do it of their own accord, as it 
was known that only one half of the ship's company attended our 

10 



106 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

meeting last first-day ^ the other half having claimed the privilege 
of their liberty. As this doubt w^as removed to my satisfaction, 
the meeting was appointed to be held, as proposed, at eleven 
o'clock to-morrow morning. Care was taken that this intention 
should be spread to all the vessels in the bay, and on the shore 
also. At noon, Reuben Weeks came on board to say, that WiUiam 
Henry, the missionary from Tiarei, (now here on account of sick- 
ness in his family,) had given notice that Service for the English 
would be performed by him to-morrow, at their chapel, on shore, 
at eleven o'clock. I did not see it my place to flinch from the 
arrangement which had been made as to our meeting, more espe- 
cially as no invitation had been extended from the shore to the 
crews of the shipping. In the evening, I called upon William 
Henry, who having heard of our intended meeting, at once said 
that he should countermand the notice he had given, and would 
come himself to our meeting, not doubting but his hearers would 
be very willing to join him in so doing. Our sick men are still 
very weak and unfit for duty. 

27th. " Yesterday morning, we repaired on board the ' Charles 
Carroll,' in time to attend the meeting appointed. About fifty per- 
sons were assembled on the occasion, and the Lord was graciously 
pleased to give us a precious season together, and to magnify his 
ever great and adorable name. With those that attended from the 
shore, were the missionary and his wife from Roratogna, Eliza, 
the wife of George Pritchard, and William Henry, of Tiarei. 

" After the meeting had sat a considerable time in silence, it 
was with me to make a few remarks, to wean the expectation of 
the people from words, and to prepare them for a longer time of 
silence, (if that should be permitted.) I had to tell them, that if I 
was to read to them, or to speak to them in my own strength, it 
would only be an act between one man and others ; but that wor- 
ship, for which very solemn purpose we were met together, could 
only be performed between man and his Almighty Creator, who is 
a Spirit, and must be worshipped in spirit and in truth, with our 
spirits, through the Spirit of his dear Son, the Truth. A precious 
covering of solemnity now spread over us, under the feeling of 
which we continued until the time was fully come for clearing my 
mind amongst them, and declaring the mercy, loving-kindness, 
compassion and faithfulness of my God, who willeth not the death 
of a sinner, but rather that all should return, repent, and live for 
ever. The means were amply provided by His sending his only- 
begotten Son into the world, that whosoever believeth on him 
should not perish, but have everlasting life ; who came not to kill 
or destroy — He came, that we might have life, and that we might 
have it more abundantly, declaring himself to be ' the Way, and 
the Truth, and the Life ;' and he continues to be so to all such as 
not only believe in His outward appearance upon earth, and in 
His sufferings, death, and resurrection, but in his inward and spi- 



DANIEL WHEELER. 107 

ritual appearance also in their hearts, and in the operation of his 
Holy Spirit there, even that of burning and fuel of fire, to the con- 
suming of the chaffy and transgressing nature therein ; and if waited 
for, submitted unto, and abode under, this would prepare us for an 
inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, in the kingdom of Christ 
Jesus, that shall never have an end. I had largely to treat on the 
subject of Divine worship, and to point out the difference between 
that under the Mosaic dispensation, and that under the Gospel. 
That, with the Jews under the former, it was outward, ceremonial, 
and superficial, but under the latter, altogether inward, in the inner 
temple of the heart ; simple, but spiritual and substantial, because 
in spirit and in truth ; declaring the beauty, purity, and spirituality 
of the true Gospel church, of which none are members, but the 
ransomed and redeemed of the Lord ; that have passed through 
the great work of regeneration and been ransomed by the blood 
of Jesus; with much more, with a voice of warning, and exhorta- 
tion, and encouragement, as ability and utterance were graciously 
afforded. 

"After I sat down, my heart was filled with humble grati- 
tude, and a tribute of thanksgiving and praise was raised to the 
God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who had thus graciously 
condescended to make himself known amongst us, (what if I say,) 
by the breaking of bread. Under a sense of which, I had publicly 
to acknowledge the same, that the Lord should have the glory due 
unto his holy name. The meeting .held longer than usual ; but the 
weight and solemnity so strikingly apparent, (as afterwards openly 
acknowledged,) remained to the last undissipated and undiminish- 
ed. — What, indeed, is man, or the son of man, that the Lord Most 
High is thus mindful of him, that he thus visiteth him. 

28th. "I may mention, for the encouragement of others, who 
at a future day may have to follow in a track similar to this, 
in which it is my highly-favoured and happy lot to tread, that 
previously to attending the meeting just alluded to, I had felt 
very poor, and empty, and disquahfied: and yet was not de- 
pressed with any particular feeling of discouragement as to the 
result. When the time came for me to stand up, although weak- 
ness and fear were my wholesome companions ; yet the further I 
proceeded, the more I was strengthened and furnished for the work 
before me, and even to the end unexhausted. The remainder of 
the day, and through the night-watches, my peace flowed undis- 
turbed and uninterrupted, as the stream of a mighty river : and a 
song of praise filled my heart, for I was indeed made joyful in the 
house of prayer, as on the mountain of the Lord : to the glory of 
the riches of his grace be it spoken. 

" Our two invalids still unfit for duty, though reported to be in a 
convalescent state. A ship in the offing under the American flag. 



108 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 



CHAPTER VIII. 

An old acquaintance — visit from missionaries — Baron de Thierry — second meeting on board 
the " Charles Carroll" — a sick stranger — meeting in the chapel — sail for Eimeo — letters 
from home — fall of a mast — arrive at Eimeo — native school — native meeting — demoraliz- 
ing influence of foreigners — iniquitous traffic in spirits. 

29th. " The ship seen yesterday, got safely into the bay this 
morning, and anchored near to our vessel. She proved to be the 
< Frances' of New Bedford, John Briggs, master, whose vessel rode 
by our side, fourteen months ago, when at Rio de Janeiro. It is 
like meeting with an old acquaintance, as we were known to each 
other at that time. The chief, Paofai, came on board this morn- 
ing, staid breakfast, and over our reading. He was desirous to buy 
cloth, and to possess one of our iron boxes ; neither of which could 
be spared to him. In the afternoon, Charles Pittman, the mission- 
ary from Roratogna came on board. John Norris, seaman, seems 
slowly recovering, but the carpenter, William Bush, is no better, 
and the doctor is fearful of an attack of dysentery coming on. 

30th. {Fifth-day.) " In the forenoon, Charles and myself sat 
down in the usual way, but under a renewed sense of dryness and 
barrenness, perhaps the food most convenient for us, to keep the 
creaturely part in subjection. Charles and Sarah Pittman, Eliza, 
the wife of George Pritchard, and Mary Darling, paid us a visit. 
The impaired state of the health of Charles Pittman has compelled 
him to quit his station at Roratogna for the present, being no longer 
able to attend to the duties devolving upon him. His wife is also 
far from well. They have resided about ten years upon the island, 
where their united labour has been eminently crowned with success, 
amongst the natives. The circumstance of there being no harbour 
for shipping, except for vessels of very small tonnage, and that 
insecure, although the cause of subjecting them to many priva- 
tions, is a great blessing to the people, because they are thereby pre- 
served from the contaminating example and effects which the sailors 
invariably introduce wherever they go ; and to this may, in great 
measure, be attributed the success of Charles and Sarah Pittman's 
endeavours : at the same time, it is only just to say, they are a truly 
devoted couple, and well qualified by example as well as pre- 
cept to fill the station they have occupied. They hope to return to 
the island in a few months : and being desirous that the natives 
might be furnished with cotton dresses, for want of which they 
evidently suffer much in their winter seasons, it seemed a good op- 
portunity afforded for me to furnish them with a stock of knitting- 
needles, as cotton grows spontaneously and plentifully upon the 
island : this was accordingly done, together with a knitted worsted 
vest, as a pattern to begin the work with. They need only to 
commence the work, and their wants will soon be supplied, and 
industry promoted, of a kind not too fatiguing, and which they are 



DANIEL WHEELER. 109 

capable of sustaining : hard labour cannot be borne in this climate, 
and I think the ample supply of food provided for them by a boun- 
teous Creator, plainly indicates it was never intended or required. 

31st. "This morning arrived the bark * Active' from Panama, 
after a passage of nine weeks, touching at Valparaiso by the way. 
Wishing to ascertain whether she had picked up any letters for us 
accidentally on the road, and other particulars respecting her, 
Captain Keen went on board to make these inquiries, and soon re- 
turned, bringing with him Charles, Baron de Thierry, as he styled 
himself, who with his wife and five children, and servants, had ar- 
rived in this vessel, which had been chartered by him at Panama. 
The baron's object in coming with our captain, was to inform me, 
that he was going out to New Zealand, exactly on the same plan 
as our predecessor, William Penn, went to estabhsh the govern- 
ment of Pennsylvania ; but I found, on investigating a little into 
his views, that he w^as a perfect stranger to the principles which 
actuated William Penn in his government of that colony : as he 
was taking with him a military force, with arms, ammunition, &c., 
and a Polish major, (Edward Fergus, formerly employed in the 
staff of Russia, and at Petersburg, with whom we soon became 
acquainted,) to organize these troops in New Zealand, and direct 
their operations as needful. I told the baron that I could enter into 
his plans, just as far as they went upon Gospel principles, and no 
further ; informing him that no weapon more formidable than that 
of a constable's staff, was made use of or known for more than 
sixty years, for the support of the government of Pennsylvania, or 
while the peaceable principles of William Penn and his friends 
were suffered to prevail. 

Eighth month 1st. "To-day, I did not feel as if I dared omit 
endeavouring to hold another meeting on board the * Charles Car- 
roll' to-morrow, if that ship's deck could be again procured : I did 
not mention this until the afternoon, wishing to try the fleece both 
w^et and dry. On a request being made to Reuben Weeks, the 
master of the said ship, for the use of her deck, it was immediately 
granted, and the crews of the different ships in the bay invited to 
attend the meeting. In the evening the invitation was extended to 
the shore. 

2nd. (First-day,) " At half-past ten o'clock A. M., a warning- 
flag was hoisted on board the ' Charles Carroll :' and about eleven 
o'clock the meeting was completely gathered. The number of 
sailors who attended was considerably increased from the newly- 
arrived vessels. Charles Pittman, Mary Darling and EHza Pritch- 
ard, attended from the shore, with Charles de Thierry, his wife, 
and the Pole, Edward Fergus. After the attention of the people 
had been arrested by the object of our meeting together being ex- 
plained, a general silence prevailed. At length, I stood up with 
the words; ' The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, the leopard shall 
lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young Hon and the 

10* 



no LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

fatling together: and a little child shall lead them,' &c. After 
alluding to the fulfilment of this prophecy in the Gospel dispensa- 
tion as shadowed forth by Isaiah, I had to tell them that these 
are the very days in which we live, and that they are of universal 
extension to the whole human family; every individual had a share 
in it, and a part to act in it, though of general apphcation : that 
the Gospel was not a mere outward declaration of good things, 
but the power of God unto salvation, to all who believe, repent, 
and obey it, and that its privileges could only be attained through 
Christ : that the early promulgators of the Christian religion were 
constrained to turn all men to Christ. 'We preach not ourselves, 
but Christ Jesus the Lord ; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' 
sake,' was the apostle Paul's declaration to the primitive believers, 
on behalf of himself and fellows-labourers ; but he himself had a 
more special and divinely authorised commission, communicated 
immediately by the voice of that Saviour whom he had so long 
and cruelly persecuted^ wherever His appearance could be found : 
it was stamped with a double seal, for a twofold purpose, both as 
a minister and a witness of those things which he had seen, and of 
things which were hereafter to be shown to him, in which his Lord 
would appear unto him, to open the eyes of mankind, to turn men 
from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God ?~ 
That Christ was the Light, the true Light, that lighteth every man 
that Cometh into the world, unto whom all mankind must be turned, 
and must come, if they are saved, &:c. &c. It was a highly fa- 
voured, solemn meeting and owned by the great Master of assem- 
blies, whose power reigned gloriously amongst us, causing thanks- 
giving and praise in many hearts. 

From the 3rd to the 6th. " Except in taking exercise for our 
health's sake, employed in preparing Extracts, &c., to send to Eng- 
land, (on the return of the ' Active' to Panama, via. Jamaica mail 
from thence.) 

7th. " Walked in the evening to George Bicknell's, and had an 
opportunity of seeing the master of the ' Olivia,' schooner, of Bos- 
ton, lately arrived from the Paumotu Islands. He seemed in the 
last stage of a consumption, was unwell when he left home, and 
has been exposed to great hardship amongst those islands. His 
complaint has been much increased and aggravated by having long 
to subsist on fish and cocoa-nuts. He appeared glad to see me ; 
and after sitting awhile by the bed-side, I began to advert to his 
appalling situation, winding gradually on as matter opened. On 
saying it was little matter how soon we leave this world of trouble, 
if we are but prepared for the event, he said, ' I am not prepared, 
and cannot prepare myself.' I told him I was rejoiced to find he 
was thus sensible of his own inability and weakness, because it was 
a conscious feeling of the want and necessity of the Saviour's help. 
I endeavoured to turn his mind to the dear Redeemer ; but he said, 
* the time was too short to expect to accomplish the great work,' 



DANIEL WHEELER. Ill 

and spoke as if it had been too long deferred. I reminded him that 
the invitation was extended even as late as the eleventh hour ; and 
then mentioned the thief upon the cross, with the words, ' To-day 
shalt thou be with me in Paradise.' He seemed to be a little en- 
couraged before we parted. I was afraid of staying too long, and 
of causing too much excitement, but a prayer ascended in secret 
for him both then and since. When about to leave, he expressed 
a wish for me to come again, and I hope to comply with it. I 
was comforted in finding he had got into a place where he would 
want for nothing, and be well attended to. I consider it an act of 
true Christian benevolence in George Bicknell, with his large fa- 
mily, to take in, without solicitation, a poor, exhausted, sick stran- 
ger, and cheerfully administer to all his wants, without a prospect 
of remuneration. 

8th. " Busily employed on board, closing our letters for Eng- 
land, to be despatched this day by the ' Active' for Panama, touch- 
ing at Valparaiso for a short time on her way. Got some exercise 
on shore in the evening. It has occurred to me since the last 
meeting held on board the ' Charles Carroll,' that the chapel on 
shore would be the next place for me to be in, although I mentioned 
it to no one, desiring to see the way clearly open, before any steps 
were taken. 

" Charles Pittman came on board yesterday : and in the course 
of conversation said, that EHza Pritchard had been thinking whether 
I would not come on shore the next sabbath-day, to have a meet- 
ing ; and himself was desirous that some arrangement should be 
made, in which he expressed a willingness to assist. I told him it was 
yet uncertain, but that I intended calling at George Pritchard's house 
in the evening. On arriving there, I found Charles Pittman under 
the verandah, talking to a sailor, who had belonged to the ' Charles 
Carroll,' and had then come to have some conversation on the sub- 
ject of religion. It appeared that this young man had been reach- 
ed, at the last meeting held on board that ship, and was desirous 
of help and advice. He found it very hard work to stand against 
the strong current of evil to which he was exposed on ship-board, 
amongst a rude and wicked company, who continually annoyed 
him in one way or other. He w^as encouraged to watchfulness, 
and to perseverance in resisting every temptation ; and if faithful, 
he would doubtless overcome them all, through the strength of 
Him, who, for our sakes, ' endured such contradiction of sinners 
against himself.' Whilst at George Pritchard's, I inquired whether 
any missionary was expected, or whether any meeting would be 
held there to-morrow, which was replied to in the negative. I 
said that I felt a little difficulty about their meeting-house, as it 
belonged to the people on shore, and they might be disappointed at 
not finding one of their own ministers there, and I could not an- 
swer, if I attended the meeting, but that it might be a silent one, 
which to some would be a disappointment ; but Ehza Pritchard 



112 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

said, they know very well ; I suppose she meant, the manner in 
which the meetings of Friends are usually held. Having believ- 
ed it right for me to hold a meeting there, previously to leaving 
the ship, what had passed served only to show that the way was 
open before me ; and going out, I said, — Then I think we must 
venture to give notice to the shipping, that a meeting will be held 
at eleven o'clock to-morrow forenoon. As we returned on board, 
some information of the intended meeting was given by ourselves, 
and our captain engaged at once to invite the crews of the ship- 
ping generally, and to spread the information more widely on the 
shore. 

9th. {First-day.) " At the time appointed repaired to the shore, 
landing at George Pritchard's, whose family, with Charles Pittman 
and wife, accompanied us to the meeting. The attendance was much 
larger than at any time before. The baron, his wife, and the Pole, 
appeared amongst others. We sat long in silence, when I stood 
up with, — It was never said to the wrestling seed of Jacob, seek 
ye my face in vain ; for the sighing of the needy now will I arise, 
saith the Lord. I^et us remember the example of Jacob, who 
wrestled for the blessing until the break of day, although the angel 
said, ' Let me go, for the day breaketh ;' but the patriarch refused 
to grant the request, saying, ' I will not let thee go, except thou 
bless me.' The result of his faithful perseverance was, that his 
name should be no longer Jacob, but that he should be called Is- 
rael ; for said the angel, ' as a prince, hast thou power, and hast 
prevailed with God and with men.' After urging upon all present, 
the necessity of our wrestling for the blessing this morning, that so 
we might be numbered amongst the princes of Israel, and, like him, 
prevail, &c. with some further addition I sat down. The meeting 
then settled down in quietness, and remained long under a solenpn 
feeling ; when I had again to stand up and declare the blessedness 
of those who trust in Mount Zion, the city which the Lord hath 
founded, which can never be moved ; whose children are joyful in 
their King ; because poor in spirit, to whom only the Gospel was 
preached, and is still preached : these are filled with good things, 
but the rich and the full are sent empty away. It is the poor of 
the Lord's people — the poor in spirit, whose provision will ever be 
abundantly blessed. Yea, they shall be satisfied — and no wonder ! 
when made to partake of that bread which came down from hea- 
ven, whosoever eateth whereof shall live forever, for this soul- 
sustaining bread is Christ, who said, * I am the bread of life : he 
that Cometh to me shall never hunger, and he that believeth on 
me shall never thirst.' There is nothing in this perishing world to 
be desired, or worth hungering or thirsting after by those who have 
tasted of this true and living bread that cometh down from heaven. 
Who would not desire to be a citizen of this city which hath foun- 
dations, whose maker and builder the Lord is ? This Sion which 
he hath founded for the poor of his people ? There is no other 



DANIEL WHEELER. 113 

way to accomplish this, but that of doing the will of God, and not 
our own, through Christ Jesus, by the help of his Holy Spirit in 
our hearts, &c. I was largely opened to declare many great and 
heavenly truths to these people for about an hour, under a weighty 
feehng of a power to myself irresistible ; all seemed brought down 
and laid low under its dominion, and the pillars of my frail taber- 
nacle were shaken. I had to rise a third time to say, that if words 
would avail any thing, I was wiUing to spend and be spent amongst 
them; for I had been poured out as water for their sake, &c., turn- 
ing their attention to the Word nigh in the heart, and in the mouth, 
of which the apostle spoke ; commending them to God, and to the 
word of his grace, &c. Returned on board after the meeting. In 
the afternoon read portions of Scripture to our own crew, who had 
been on shore to the meeting in the morning. 

14th. " Yesterday afternoon, Charles being too feeble, though 
better, to go on shore for exercise, I took with me a native boy, 
towards sundown, and went on shore. This boy was born at the 
Paumotu Islands, and had been very useful to us for several weeks, 
and ready on all occasions to plunge into the sea, or to bring down 
the cocoa-nut from its lofty tree ; and never more delighted than 
when permitted to accompany us on excursions for exercise, or to 
search for shells among the coral reefs. 

27th. " For several days past but little has transpired to vary 
the customary routine of duties. -As regards myself, I have not 
been able to discern any particular hne of service called for at my 
hands, and hope to be preserved watching and waiting as at the 
posts of Wisdom's gate. In vain, indeed, would an attempt be to 
move forward, while the cloud thus, as it were, rests upon the ta- 
bernacle. In the afternoon went to Taunoa to visit the American 
captain, who is not expecting to survive many days. Here is an 
affecting and mournful instance of the great business of life being 
neglected, and little thought of, until brought upon the bed of death. 
The ' Ohvia' of which vessel he is part owner, sailed yesterday, 
and I thought he would now have nothing left relating to worldly 
matters to harass him, which induced me to make the present visit. 
I humbly trust, yea, I pray, that this poor dear man may yet so 
bow in humble resignation to the name and power of Jesus, and 
from heart-felt conviction, confess that he is Lord, to the glory of 
God the Father, as to obtain the salvation of his own soul. For, 
though he is now bowing, under heavy judgment, to this power, — 
great is my desire, that he may yet bow to it under a sense of the 
Lord's everlasting mercy, and forgiveness ; for mercy still covers 
the judgment-seat, even to a hair's breadth. With God all things 
are possible to them that believe. 

" I told the captain yesterday evening, that I did not see any 
thing to prevent our sailing this morning for Eiemo. At an early 
hour, Jemmy, the pilot, came on board, when the vessel was un- 



114 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

moored ; and there being a light breeze of wind off the land, the 
last anchor was weighed. We were towed out of the bay by a 
boat kindly sent by Captain Davies, of the ship ' Balance,' of Bris- 
tol, Rhode Island. Just as the anchor was weighed, a man came 
from the shore with a note from George Pritchard, and a packet 
containing letters, Yearly Meeting's Epistle, &c. from England, 
which had been brought by an English whaler, (supposed to be the 
' Caroline,') to the Marquesas Islands, from which George Pritch- 
ard had arrived in the night. We could not but admire how 
exactly we had been cared for, in being permitted to receive 
accounts from our beloved family at Petersburg, contained in four 
letters, (though old dated,) truly acceptable, with letters also from 
some of our dear friends. Having discharged the pilot, cleared 
the reefs, and begun to stretch away from the island, the delightful 
employment of reading our letters commenced. While sitting on 
deck, the vessel made a formidable pitch, which occasioned a loud 
and sudden crash, as in a moment. It was soon ascertained, that 
our mizen-mast was gone by the board, and had fallen over the 
very centre of the stern. Not only the man at the helm escaped 
unhurt, but every other person on board ; and nothing short of an 
Almighty, all-merciful, and all-superintending providence could 
possibly have screened and sheltered us from every harm. My 
Charles had been sitting for some time quite near the mast, but 
had removed just before from the place of danger. Our captain 
immediately represented the vessel as so crippled, that she would 
not stay, or tack, and wished to know whether I thought of pro- 
ceeding, or of endeavouring to return to the Bay. of Papeete, in the 
island we had just left. I paused for a moment, and then signified 
that we might safely proceed for the Island of Moorea, or Eimeo, 
although at the time it was nearly calm, and a heavy tumbling sea 
heaving around us. In a few minutes, however, the regular trade- 
wind sprung up, with a fresh gale in our favour, which in a few 
hours drove us to the desired haven of Talloo, into which the 

* Henry Freeling' worked as well as could be desired, notwith- 
standing she had lost one of her wings ; but it became dark before 
she reached the proper anchorage. The wreck of the mast, and 
the rigging, sails, &c. were all cleared away, and got on board, 
before the strength of the trade-wind set upon us, and before the 
sea had time to rise, which soon afterwards became unusually 
heavy. The great superiority of a small vessel over a large one 
was fairly proved on this day. As we were beating through a 
channel beset with coral reefs, in a masterly manner, our pilot 
frequently cried out * Maitai, Maitai !' good, good, to denote his 
approbation; and would occasionally say, in tolerable English, 

* She works well.' He told us, that one of the American ships now 
here, beat about for five days in the same place, and was towed 
in at last by six boats, when the wind died away. We just looked 



DANIEL WHEELER. 115 

into the harbour, as we passed, where Cook had formerly anchored, 
but it is more exposed to the heavy seas, which some particular 
winds occasion at times on the coast. 

11th. " Talloo Harbour, Island of Moorea, or Eimeo. This 
morning sent on board the American ships, for assistance to repair 
the damage recently sustained in the loss of our mast. We were 
soon visited by the captains of those two vessels, bringing their 
carpenters along with them. It appeared that the dry rot, even 
with the deck, had been the cause of the accident. On examina- 
tion, it was concluded best to make the same mast do again, which 
could be accomplished by making a tongue below the deck, and 
securing it with plenty of strong iron bands, which would only 
reduce its original height five feet. Though this reduction will 
not improve the look of the vessel, yet, in other respects, it may be 
considered a decided advantage. In the afternoon w^e landed, and 
for the first time visited the school, the residence of Alexander 
Simpson, his wife, and their little daughter. The children, about 
twenty-two in number, were at play upon the grass-plots in front 
of the house, which gave the place quite an air of English comfort. 
This ground is fenced in with strong stone walls. We did not 
purpose stopping long, having detained the boat, not being ac- 
quainted wdth the safest landing-places, nor sufiiciently so with 
the road from Alexander Simpson's, to find our way back to the 
boat in the dark. 

" In one of our letters recently arrived from England, was found 
a copy of a short testimonial drawn up at Shoosharry, in Russia, 
by my beloved children, of that illness which deprived them of their 
sainted mother, intended to have a place in the Annual Monitor for 
1835. The perusal of this document brought afresh to my recol- 
lection the days of distress and affliction, which my endeared 
family had to pass through, in the loss of their precious parent, 
when already almost fatherless, from my having previously left 
home, to pursue the path of apprehended duty in the South Seas. 
A wound so deep, and but slightly healed, can never be forgotten 
when touched. But, I believe, that bitterness and anguish of soul 
is not offensive, when not accompanied with repining at the will 
and pleasure of my gracious and compassionate Lord ; who when 
passing through the straits and difficulties of humanity, wept in love 
divine at the tomb of Lazarus. His compassions fail not; neither 
is the greatness of his faithfulness to a poor frail mortal, one par- 
ticle diminished, who, in the depth of affliction and anguish, still 
endeavours to breathe in humble resignation and sincerity, the lan- 
guage of * Thy will be done.' 

12th. " The carpenter of the American ship * India,' at work, 
splicing our mizen-mast. This morning the natives began to visit 
our vessel, but only few in number. One man brought a hog, but 
seemed rather shy at first : taking but little notice of him, soon 
brought him to reasonable terms. Having been paid for the hog, he 



116 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

went away, but soon returned with bananas, guavas, ninitas, &c. 
in ample quantity, demanding for the whole, forty small sized 
clasp nails, which were given him with a little addition. When 
the heat of the sun lessened, we went on shore and drank tea at 
the school with all the children. When about to return on board, 
Alexander Simpson asked me, if I would favour them with a few 
words to-morrow ; meaning the sailors that might come on shore, 
the few white residents, and the school family. I said that I 
thought of being at the native meeting at nine o'clock, to which 
there was no objection ; but he still urged my speaking to the Eng- 
hsh after the native meeting was over. I told him, I could not 
answer for that, even if there, as I had nothing, and was nothing ; 
I said I intended to come in time for the native congregation, and 
then asked, if he would interpret for me, to which he at once 
assented. Thus my way is open and provided for upon this island, 
if it pleases my heavenly Father to quahfy me for the work, and 
open my lips, that in the abihty which he alone giveth I may show 
forth his praise, and cause the thanksgiving of many to redound to 
his glory, for truly without him we can do nothing as it should be 
done. 

13th. {First-day.) " Although we landed apparently in ample 
time, yet on reaching Alexander Simpson's house, we found it shut 
up, and the family gone to meeting ; and although we hurried to 
the place of worship, yet the singing had commenced. We re- 
mained at the door until this was finished, then went in and sat 
down on a form. When the Tahitian exercises were all gone 
through, Alexander Simpson began reading my certificates ; when 
these were finished, I went and stood by his side, to be ready ; and 
when all was gathered into stilhiess, alluding to what they had 
heard read, I said, they were now aware that I had left all that 
was near and dear to me on earth, to visit them ; that I had sailed 
over the trackless ocean, during many moons for this purpose, in 
order that I might be found standing in the counsel of that most 
holy will, which is ever excellent ; and that the desire of my heart 
was, that the Gospel might not be to them an empty sound, or a 
mere outward declaration of good things, but that they might be- 
lieve, repent, and obey it ; and that it might be to them indeed 
' the power of God unto salvation.' As I proceeded, I was j 
strengthened as by * the mighty God of Jacob,' by the extension of 1' 
that love which enlargeth the heart, to declare to the people the 
unsearchable riches of Christ, and the necessity of their coming to 
the knowledge of Him in whom they believed, for themselves, by 
the Holy Spirit : that nothing short of their being born again, not 
of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by this Word of God, 
which liveth and abideth for ever, could make them members of 
his church, which is without spot or wrinkle, or any such thing. 
That, unless they came to hear the voice of the true Shepherd, and 
know it for themselves, they could never be his sheep, nor be 



DANIEL WHEELER. 117 

known of him. * My sheep hear my voice,' said Christ : * I know 
them, and they follow me ; and I give unto them eternal life ; and 
they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my 
hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; 
and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand ;' 
turning their attention more and more to the Holy Spirit of the 
Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, whose Hght shineth 
in every heart, that so they might come to sit under his teaching, 
and know the voice of the only true teacher of his people, who 
speaketh in righteousness, mighty to save his people from 
their sins, but never in them ; appealing to the islanders, if they 
had not heard his voice in their own hearts, reproving them when 
they had committed evil, &c. That they must be walling to hear 
it and obey it, and to bear the indignation of it for sin and for 
transgression, until their cause was pleaded, and judgment execu- 
ted, and themselves brought forth to the light, the light of Christ 
Jesus ; ' the true light which lighteth every man that cometh into 
the world,' in the secret of the heart ; the Holy Spirit of Him that 
speaketh in righteousness, mighty to save ; that they might know 
Him experimentally to be the < Lamb of God that taketh away the 
sin of the world,' from having witnessed their sins and transgres- 
sions to be washed white in his blood, and remembered no more, 
&c. &c. 

" The people were very attentive in the general ; and although 
the house is large, and was more filled than usual by natives from 
distant parts of the island, and others from Tahiti, I felt as if I 
could penetrate its most distant crevices with comparative ease. 
There might be twelve hundred persons present. A boat was 
waiting to convey us on board ; but after having passed through 
the ceremony of shaking hands with a wholesale number, on re- 
tiring to the school, I did not feel altogether clear of the people; 
so concluded to send off the boat, and remained on shore to attend 
the afternoon meeting. 

" The meeting gathered again at three o'clock, and was well 
attended, though somewhat smaller than in the morning. An op- 
portunity was afforded at this meeting for us to witness the cere- 
mony of baptizing a new convert, who, we were told, had applied 
for admittance into the church as a member. A child was also 
baptized, the offspring, it was said, of one believing parent, the 
mother then present. When the proper moment seemed come, I 
placed myself by the side of Alexander Simpson, and when all was 
quiet, began to inform the people, that a fear of not being clear of 
the blood of my fellow-creatures had induced me again to stand 
before them ; but it was in that love, which would gather all man- 
kind into the heavenly garner of rest and peace, testifying the end- 
less duration of the Lord's mercy, and the unbounded extension of 
his love to all, by sending his only begotten Son into the world, 
that ' whosoever beUeveth in him should not perish, but have eter- 

11 



118 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

nal life.' My mouth was again opened to declare largely amongst 
the people the truths of the Gospel, and in a pressing manner to 
urge the necessity of the hearts of the parents being more and 
more turned to their children, in order to bring them up in the fear 
of the Lord, or else all the privileges and advantages which they 
had witnessed to result from the attempts to introduce Christianity 
amongst them, would in all probabiUty be totally lost to their chil- 
dren, when their own heads were laid low. Without this care, 
things would soon be as bad as they had been formerly, when there 
was no place of safety nor of security upon the island ; when every 
man's hand was against his brother, and the way of peace un- 
known. I had much to say to them of an arousing, encouraging, 
and warning nature and tendency, with the same undiminished 
strength as had been vouchsafed me in the morning, rejoicingly to 
the comfort, peace, and relief of my own mind, and I trust, with 
humble thankfulness, to my Maker's praise." 

No circumstance attending our dear friend Daniel Wheeler's 
interesting visit to the South Sea Islands, appears to have more 
painfully affected his feelings, than the observation forced upon 
him from place to place, of the demoralizing and devastating ef- 
fects of the intercourse of the natives with the crews of vessels 
visiting their shores. In some letters, not forming a part of his 
Journal, he thus alludes to the subject. 

" We find that the voyages of the whaling- vessels are much 
longer than formerly, their success being more precarious and un- 
certain, owing to the increased number of ships engaged in that 
employ, which constantly disturb a great breadth of ocean, by 
looking over several hundred square miles of its surface every day ; 
so that the fish are becoming scarcer, and more shy than formerly. 
We should rejoice to hear of any cause that would reduce the 
number of shipping which visit these islands for supplies, and to 
refit ; as they only tend to diminish their population, by bringing 
spirituous liquors amongst the people, and by keeping alive a dis- 
ease, the ravages of which are destroying whole families, both old 
and young, to an extent little contemplated in England, and truly 
painful and distressing to be an eye-witness to, and which is 
greatly aggravated by the use of ardent spirits. Surely, some- 
thing will be done to stop this desolating scourge of the human 
race. It is the suffering case of an afflicted, injured people, and 
calls for the attention, and that speedily, of the legislature of every 
country, but particularly of England and America, which are the 
nations principally implicated in this dreadful traffic. Scarcely a 
ship arrives, but what has for sale rum, muskets, and gunpowder, 
for all of which the natives are extremely eager : and many of 
these are denominated ' Temperance ships,' and yet are engaged 
in producing madness amongst the natives, by furnishing the means 
of intoxication, at the same time supplying them with weapons of 
destruction to complete their misery. We have seen much of this 



DANIEL WHEELER. 119 

since our lot has been cast amongst them : and though the use of 
spirits is forbidden, and the article itself is destroyed when found, 
yet there are too many who carry on the trade in an underhand 
manner ; and of late there has been more and more of its effects to 
be seen. Those who have it in their power effectually to stop it, 
are in their hearts desirous that it should be allowed, they not only 
like it themselves, but are fully aware how profitable the sale is to 
those that deal in it. 

" If my friends at home could witness for themselves the state 
of many of the islands in these seas, which we have visited, la- 
mentation, and mourning, and woe, must inevitably be their por- 
tion. Rum, muskets, and gunpowder, are articles brought in great 
abundance, particularly by the American ships, many of which are 
styled * Temperance ships.' It is an absolute fact, incontroverti- 
ble, that vessels of this description have landed larger quantities of 
spirits on some islands than any other class of ships. On almost 
every island the population decreases, and the dreadful ravages 
made by disease is much aggravated by the use of spirits." After 
giving an affecting description of the consequences of disease, and 
mentioning that he had, in as many cases as his stock of medicine 
would allow, successfully checked and eradicated it, our friend 
adds : — " The island of Bolabola is one that has suffered most of 
any by the introduction of spirits, as it has caused the people to 
distil their bread-fruit, and every kind of food capable of producing 
spirit. I can never forget the abject wretched state of these peo- 
ple, with scarcely rags to cover them, in want of every thing, and 
possessing nothing to purchase any thing with, their little property 
being consumed in order to obtain spirits ; the famished appearance 
also, of the more than half-naked children, who abound, will long 
retain a place in my memory, in that love which must ever inter- 
cede on behalf, and plead the cause of suffering humanity. The 
little things used to come on board to us ; and when on shore, we 
were surrounded in a few minutes by delighted groups of them. 
My heart often revisits Bolabola, and gladly would I bind up her 
wretched inhabitants in the Lord's bundle of life for ever." 

In the perusal of the latter Extracts, as well as some of the pre- 
ceding, it will with sorrow of heart be felt, how exceedingly incon- 
sistent, and awfully demoralizing is the conduct of many of those 
who " go down to the sea in ships, and do business in the great 
waters," and what a weight of responsibility rests on the heads of 
those, who, calling themselves Christians, and whilst in the pursuit 
of their lawful occupation, do thus lay temptation in the way of 
these poor simple people, and who are ultimately the occasion, in 
regard to many of them, of misery and death. On the other hand, 
in reviewing the whole of the Extracts from the Journal, &c., of 
our beloved friend, who thus, in fulfilment of apprehended duty, is 
traversing sea and land, may the tribute of thanksgiving and praise 
arise to the Great Head of the church, who, in so conspicuous a 



120 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

manner, is pleased to be with him, strengthening and supporting 
him in every season of trial, and enabling him to declare the glo- 
rious privileges of the Gospel, in the povv^er and authority which 
He alone can give. May He be pleased, in the further trials and 
conflicts of body and mind, that may await this our dear friend 
and brother, to continue to be with, and to preserve him, together 
with his son, and, through His own eternal power, enable him to 
perform what may yet be unaccomplished of the great and impor- 
tant work, into which, we fully believe, he is called. 



CHAPTER IX. 



Meeting with the native children at Papetoai — visit to Afareaitu — meetings there and at 
Matea — a Marai — return to the ' Henry Freeling' — meeting on board — native meeting — 
the unity of the brethren — a warning against intemperance — meeting with the mission 
families — sail for Huahine — prohibition of spirits there — native meeting — an invitation 
from the pilot — social meeting of the authorities — native meeting — distribution of tracts — 
sail for Raiatea. 

" Talloo Harbour^ Island of Eimeo, ISth of Ninth month, 1835. 

" Called upon Alexander Simpson to consult about going to the 
other side of the island, to Afareaitu ; (of late called Griffin's Town ;) 
but as he had a serious sore throat, it was not prudent for him to 
undertake the journey on the following day. I now perceived that 
if 1 had not given up to attend the afternoon meeting at Papetoai 
last first-day, when it opened upon my mind, that I must have 
waited a week longer for want of an interpreter, on account of 
Alexander Simpson's present indisposition. Truly it may be said, 
that the present moment is all we have to trust to, or depend upon ; 
the future may, to us, never come ; and time, once past, can never 
be recalled. Then may we be diligently seeking to improve the 
present, with thankfulness for being strengthened to yield obedience 
to every pointing of duty. 

Ninth month 19th. " Finding my attention turned to the chil- 
dren at the school, it seemed as if to-morrow, at eleven o'clock in 
the forenoon, would be a suitable time to propose for our meeting 
together, if no difficulty should appear. After tea at the school, I 
mentioned to Alexander Simpson and wife, that if it would not in- 
terfere with any of their arrangements, I thought of paying a visit 
to the children to-morrow, at eleven o'clock, A. M. They at once 
expressed satisfaction with the proposal, and said it would be very 
acceptable. I said, ' Then we will sit down together, and see what 
will be done for us.' 

Ninth month 20th. (First-day.) " Landed in the morning, so as 
to have ample time to walk to the school, and afford an interval 
sufficiently long to allow us to cool before going into the meeting, 



DANIEL WHEELER. 121 

the weather being extremely hot. When the time came we as- 
sembled as proposed, the children, and the family at the school. I 
fully expected that we should sit down in silence before the Lord : 
but when all were seated, it was proposed that the children should 
read a chapter, and the first chapter of the Epistle to the Romans 
was read accordingly. The children were then examined, by 
questions respecting the moral law, and the object of our Saviour's 
coming upon earth. After these were gone through, we were 
favoured to get into silence. Having sat for some time, I found 
my mind getting deeper and deeper under exercise, until the time 
came for me to rise, with the words, ' We through the Spirit, wait 
for the hope of righteousness by faith.' Sitting in silence may 
seem a little strange to those unaccustomed to the work, but it 
has been the practice of the religious Society of which I have the 
privilege of being a member, from its earliest rise, to wait upon the 
Lord for the influence of the Holy Spirit ; to be taught by the 
great Teacher of his people, Christ Jesus, the minister of the sanc- 
tuary and of the true tabernacle, ' which the Lord pitched and not 
man.' I had to tell them that there is no alteration in the Christian 
life ; it is a continual warfare, but with the spiritual w^eapons of 
burning and fuel of fire, w^hich, if patiently submitted to, would 
purify and prepare us for an incorruptible and never-fading inhe- 
ritance. The universality of Divine Grace was freely spoken of, 
and the necessity of watchfulness and prayer urged with earnest- 
ness, even unto ' praying always, with all prayer and supplication 
in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance.' The 
dear young people were tenderly invited to seek after that know- 
ledge which is life eternal : to ' commune with their own hearts 
and be still.' I wanted them to witness the Gospel to be glad 
tidings of great joy to themselves, not a mere outward declaration 
of good things to come, but ' the power of God unto salvation,' to 
every one of them. Meekness and lowliness, those heavenly vir- 
tues, and first principles of the religion of Jesus, which characterize 
the Christian — taught by Him, and which all must learn of Him — 
were exalted, while pride and arrogance, and other concomitant 
evils, were trampled under foot. None could be insensible to the 
weight of solemnity which prevailed, and I had to acknowledge 
the condescending mercy of that Almighty power w^hich was 
pleased to ow^n the work, and also to appeal to those present as 
witnesses to the circulation of that * life' which is ' the light of 
men.' 

23d. " With the exception of taking occasional exercise for 
the last three days, have been busily employed in preparing des- 
patches for my beloved friends in England, information having 
been received that an English whaler, homeward bound, had ar- 
rived at Tahiti. On going on shore this evening, we found Alex- 
ander Simpson so much recruited, that it was concluded to set ofl^ 
to-morrow morning for the distants tation of Afareaitu. 

11* 



122 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

Ninth month 24th. " Rose early, and left the vessel at half-past 
six o'clock, in the Henry Freeling's long-boat, with a hired crew 
of four natives. We took in Alexander Simpson opposite the set- 
tlement, at seven o'clock, and immediately proceeded towards 
Afareaitu. Some parts of this passage are hazardous, owing to 
immense lumps of coral lying near the surface of the water, upon 
which boats are not unfrequently stove ; but keeping a good look- 
out, we were favoured to pass through the whole of these places, 
which extend several miles, without touching with much violence 
upon any of the rugged cones. About three P. M., we reached 
Afareaitu, and were kindly received and entertained by Thomas 
Blossom and his wife, the former originally came out of Yorkshire, 
and with some of his connexions I was acquainted in England. 
Thomas Blossom came out in the * Tuscan' several years ago with 
* Tyerman and Bennet,' as an artisan belonging to the mission. 

25th. " The bell for the sun-rise worship rung early, and when 
the people were collected we went to the meeting. At a suita- 
ble opportunity my certificates were read by Alexander Simp- 
son, after which I had a full opportunity to clear my mind 
amongst these people ; and although I had had nearly, if not quite, 
a sleepless night, and felt in the morning almost sunk both in body 
and mind, below the usual level of depression in such cases, yet 
my Lord was to me in truth, * strength in weakness, riches in 
poverty, and a present helper in the needful time;' and I had 
largely to declare of his love, of his mercy, and of his ' Truth,' 
and to show forth his salvation to the people, as it is wrought in 
the heart through faith in the operation of the Holy Spirit. I had 
also close things to say amongst them, and to show them the 
dreadful consequences of drawing down the * Divine wrath,' if 
their return for his love and mercy was only neglect, disobedience, 
and rebellion against his heavenly and righteous invitation, so 
largely extended towards them : and to point out the snare which 
had been laid by the great enemy, in the introduction of spirituous 
liquors amongst them, and how they had fallen under the tempta- 
tion, from which, if they had obeyed the Gospel, they would have 
been preserved. 

" Notwithstanding a messenger had been sent beforehand to in- 
vite the inhabitants of Matea, a distant village, (but said to be 
more populous than Afareaitu,) yet I think it was reported that 
none had made their appearance at the meeting. On considering 
the subject, I thought that, although they would not be at the 
trouble to come to me, I should not fully discharge my duty with- 
out going to them. This circumstance seemed likely to bring upon 
us the sacrifice of another night's absence from Papetoai, which 
is by no means desirable on several accounts ; yet I felt resigned 
to give up every selfish consideration, if I should only be found in 
the path of duty. It was at last concluded for us to proceed to 
Matea, about a league along the coast, but in a direction that our 



DANIEL WHEELER. 123 

boat's crew did not approve, as they hoped we should have return- 
ed to Papetoai by a rout several miles shorter, which may some- 
times be taken with safety when the wind and weather are favour- 
able. We got ready immediately, and set out, taking with us 
Thomas Blossom and wife, their little boy, and a daughter of 
George Bicknell's, of Taunoa, on the Island of Tahiti, about ten 
years of age ; they intending to walk home again in the cool of 
the evening. Having reached Matea, we landed, and soon met 
with the principal chief: some rather shuffling excuses were made 
on behalf of the people for not attending the meeting in the morn- 
ing at Afareaitu ; and upon being asked where the people were 
then, he first said, in the mountains, procuring food for the queen 
of Tahiti, who we knew had arrived at Papetoai : but when this 
man found there was a disposition in us to go into the meeting- 
house and sit down, (there being no seats in the house where we 
then were,) he began to alter his tone. Whether he thought we 
intended to wait for the people, or from what other cause, I am 
not aware, unless he supposed the falsehood would afterwards be 
detected, but he then said, the people were all in their huts, and 
he would send round to them to meet us forthwith. They assem- 
bled in as short a time as could well be expected, and when well 
settled, my certificates were read by Alexander Simpson, who, 
when he had finished, and given ample information respecting me 
to the people, said, ' If you have any thing to say to them, I am 
ready to interpret,' turning himself towards me. I drew towards 
him, and just stated that I had hoped to have seen them in the 
morning at Afareaitu : but although this had not been the case, I 
was not willing to pass them by. I then told them, that I had 
brought nothing with me, but that whatever my Great Master 
might be pleased to give me to speak, I hoped to do it faithfully 
amongst them. From this I went on step by step, until my heart 
was so enlarged, and my tongue loosed, that I declared the ' Truth' 
amongst them for the space of an hour. I have since been com- 
forted in believing that, although many slept, yet there were many 
awake, unto whom my message belonged, and whose countenances 
bespoke that they were not only awake, but awakened to a sense 
(I humbly trust) of their situation — that they had a soul to be 
saved, and that * no man can save his brother, or give to God a 
ransom for his soul.' When I sat down, I thought I was clear, 
but had to rise again in a while, and tell them, under its contriting 
influence, that I had felt the love of God since I sat down, to fill 
my heart, and that I never knew an instance, where a message 
had been sent to any people, but that the love of God was still 
extended towards them, adding, that I was not about to multiply 
words, but merely to express a desire that the Lord might direct 
their hearts into this love, and to the patient waiting for Christ. 

" The wind was against us, and the boat's crew very sulky at 
their disappointment in our not going the shortest way back, as 



124 . LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

they wanted, supposing they should have had less work in rowing 
if they had taken that course. The breeze presently died away, 
and I made signs to them that we should soon have a favourable 
wind, but one of them said, 'No,' in an unpleasant tone. In a 
short time, the breeze sprung up fair for the boat, when they be- 
came more cheerful, and before we had got many miles farther, 
they said it was well for them to go with these strangers, for they 
had brought a fair wind with them. They then remembered that 
we had a favourable wind the preceding day when going in the 
opposite direction, which is regularly calculated upon ; but that 
we should have it fair again to-day was much more remarkable, 
as a circumstance but rarely occurring, because directly opposite 
the point from which the trade-winds almost uniformly blow. 
We were favoured to get through the most intricate and danger- 
ous parts before it became quite dark, although we several times 
touched upon the reef: after landing Alexander Simpson at the set- 
tlement, we reached the vessel in safety, and I believe with thank- 
ful hearts, though from the lateness of the hour and darkness of 
the night, our return was not expected until the following morning. 

" On the passage from Papetoai to Afareaitu, we landed to ex- 
amine the remains of the largest Marai (Orua) in the South Seas, 
and not so much dilapidated as many of them. Much of the hewn 
stone work is yet to be seen ; and the upright stones, placed in a 
position best adapted to accommodate the backs of the priests 
when praying, and from whence they could witness the sacrifices 
of the wretched human victims, are still remaining. 

27th of Ninth month. {First-day.) " This morning awoke 
early, and on endeavouring to ascertain what path I should have 
to move in, I found that the openings which had just floated before 
the view of my mind, were now altogether out of sight ; so con- 
cluded that I must remain on board the ' Henry Freeling.' Just 

as we were about to assemble together in the forenoon, was 

seen on the shore : a boat was immediately despatched for him, 
when it appeared that he was coming on board on purpose to sit 
with us. In the course of the time of our being together, my mind 
was brought under exercise, and I had a short and encouraging 
testimony to bear to the faithfulness of our gracious Lord ; stand- 
ing up with words to the following effect; Although our company 
is small, and in a remote corner of the habitable globe, yet we 
have the word of a King for it, even the * King of Saints,' that 
< where two or three are gathered together in his name, (in his 
power,) there he is in the midst of them.' But it is only 
such as are gathered under a sense of this constraining power 
and with sincerity of desire, that will be benefitted. * The battle 
is not to the strong, nor the race to the swift.' ' Not by might, 
nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of Hosts.' ' Let 
not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid ; ye believe in 
God, believe also in me,' was the language of the Saviour to his 



DANIEL WHEELER. 125 

disciples formerly, and I trust, there are none among us but be- 
lieve in God and in his Son Jesus Christ. Then let us be willing 
to believe in the Holy Spirit of Christ Jesus. Let us believe his 
words — ' It is expedient for you that I go away ; for if I go not 
away, the Comforter will not come unto you : I will pray the Fa- 
ther, and He shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide 
with you for ever, even the Spirit of Truth — He will guide you 
into all truth.' There is nothing like an interest in the Master of 
the storm ; if we have Him on board with us, though * asleep 
in the hinder part of the ship,' it is enough, for nothing can 
harm us. In an earthly race, ahhough many may run, but one 
obtaineth the prize ; and that but a corruptible, perishing crown: 
but in the heavenly race it is not so, for all may run, and all may 
win a crown incorruptible, that will endure, a prize immortal. 
Then let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Let 
us lay aside every weight, and that sin which does most easily be- 
set us, and run with patience the race that is set before us ; look- 
ing unto Jesus, the blessed Author and Holy Finisher of our faith, 
who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the 
shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God, 
where he ever liveth to make intercession for those that are wil- 
ling to come unto God by him.' Even so run that ye may obtain !" 
Whilst we were sitting in silence after I had sat down, I believed 
it required of me to attend the native place of worship at three 
o'clock in the afternoon. 

" Before two o'clock, Charles and myself landed, and reached the 
school just as the children were moving off in train towards the 
meeting. The school principally consists of the children and grand- 
children of the missionaries. We followed, previously telling Alex- 
ander Simpson, that if I should have any thing to say, when he came 
down from the pulpit, I would come and stand by his side. I found 
that I had a heavy burden to throw off, but my trust was in the 
Lord Jehovah, in whom alone is everlasting strength. I sat while 
they were proceeding with the regular service, in much conflict 
of mind, but as has often, if not always been the case, casting a 
thought towards my dear brethren and sisters in England, as if 
they were in degree sensible of my situation : and I cannot help 
thinking that such is the precious unity in spirit of the faithful, that 
petitions are constantly ascending from one or other, as a lamp 
that burneth and never goes out, to the throne of the Majesty on 
high, on behalf of a poor weak brother, separated as an outcast 
almost as far from them as the east is from the west. For, how- 
ever distant from each other the members of the mystical body 
may be placed, nothing can separate them from the love of God, 
as it is in Christ Jesus, their crucified, risen, and glorified Lord ; 
and therefore, if one member suflJer, all the members suflfer ; if one 
member is honoured, all the members rejoice in heavenly sympa- 
thy and joy, in which ' a stranger cannot intermeddle.' When 



126 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

Alexander Simpson came down from the pulpit, I went and stood 
by him, and shortly after he had prepared my way, by telling the 
people to be still, I said, ' Verily there is a reward for the right- 
eous.: verily He is a God that judgeth in the earth. — Righteous- 
ness exalteth a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people. — The 
work of righteousness shall be peace ; and the effect of righteous- 
ness, quietness, and assurance for ever.' I was not aware that 
my voice would be heard any more among you, but my Lord and 
Master hath put it into my heart to stand before you once again. 
As what I speak must be in faithfulness before my God, so I must 
be honest, and deal plainly with you. I am come to warn you to 
flee. from the wrath to come; and to show you a snare which the 
grand enemy, both to God and to man, that old serpent the devil, 
has prepared for you : he has tried it before, and found it to an- 
swer. It is that of throwing strong drink, or spirituous liquors in 
your way. You have it in your power to resist the temptation, 
for no temptation will be permitted to assail us without a way 
being made for our escape. Then * draw nigh to God, and He 
will draw nigh to you : resist the devil and he wdll flee from you.' 
The scene of riot and confusion has already begun upon the sister 
island, Tahiti, and its poison will soon reach to this island : there- 
fore, if you do not resist it, your destruction will be of yourselves. 
If those in authority do not know it, they ought to know it ; and 
if the authorities do know it, and with those under them in power, 
are conniving at it, or winking at it, or deriving emolument from 
it, most assuredly the Lord will punish these: He will visit for 
these things. * Shall I not visit for these things, shall not my soul 
be avenged on such a nation as this V was the language of the 
Lord through his faithful prophet, to a rebellious people formerly. 
Yea, He will sweep them from the face of the earth as with a be- 
som of destruction. Nothing is so calculated to destroy the hap- 
piness of the people as this curse of the human race, and to aggra- 
vate that awful disease, which is now rapidly depopulating these 
islands. If you do not set shoulder to shoulder in resisting this 
evil, what will you do when the wrath of the Lord is appearing ? 
* He will laugh at your calamity, and mock when your fear 
Cometh;' and the denunciation of the prophet against a people 
that had revolted, and forsaken the Lord their God, will be appli- 
cable unto you : * Hast thou not procured this unto thyself, in that 
thou hast forsaken the Lord thy God when he led thee by the way? 
And now what hast thou to do in the way of Egypt,' in following 
the fashions and follies, and vanities of this world, and in drinking 
the dark and polluted * waters of Sihor, &c. — Thine own wicked- 
ness shall correct thee — thy backslidings shall reprove thee: know, 
therefore, and see that it is an evil thing and bitter, that thou hast 
forsaken the Lord thy God, and that my fear is not in thee, saith 
the Lord of Hosts.' Come, then, my beloved people, in the fear 
and in the dread, and in the love, of the Lord Jehovah I warn you, 



DANIEL WHEELER. 127 

your only refuge is in Jesus: then turn inward, to his Holy Spirit 
in your hearts, to ' Christ in you the hope of glory ;' submit your- 
selves to Him as little children, and he will leaven all in you into 
his own pure and heavenly nature, and prepare you for a kingdom 
* consisting not in meats and drinks, but in righteousness and peace, 
and joy in the Holy Ghost :' a kingdom into which it is declared 
nothing that is unclean or impure ; nothing that worketh an abom- 
ination, or that maketh a lie, must ever enter : There, the wicked 
cease from troubhng; there, the weary are at rest; there, the 
morning stars sing together ; there, the sons of God shout an end- 
less anthem ; there, all is love, and joy, and peace, and that for 
evermore. Several of the people went out when strong drink was 
mentioned, but the queen and her party, with all the principal au- 
thorities and judges from Tahiti, as well as those of this island, 
were present, and remained to the last. Alexander Simpson told 
the people that they must not consider me their enemy, for it was 
in pure love that I had spoken to them : and after he had put up a 
prayer on the occasion, he dismissed the assembly. Only one man 
and one woman ventured to shake hands with me. I told Alexan- 
der Simpson that I had placed him in an awkward situation, but 
the truth must be spoken : it was not a time to withhold it. He 
expressed his satisfaction at what had been done, and said it was 
much better for it to come from a stranger. I certainly did not 
know that so many of the authorities were present from Tahiti. 
I knew that Pomare V. was in the neighbourhood, but though 
in the meeting, I did not see her, or know she was there. I was 
afterwards informed, that Paofai, one of the principal chiefs, was 
desirous to have spoken to me in the meeting by way of reply, but 
was deterred through fear of giving offence. When the meeting 
broke up he attempted to get to me, but could not succeed for the 
crowd of people. He told Alexander Simpson, my informant, that 
he wished, in reply to my testimony borne in the meeting, on be- 
half of the natives of these islands and himself, to have said, rela- 
tive to strong drink, that ' he hoped I would go to Britania, and 
beg the people to have mercy on them, and then go to America, 
and beg those people also to have mercy on them ; because it was 
these countries that sent this poison amongst them.' A fact not 
less true than lamentable. 

Tenth month 3rd, 1835. "Nothing suitable for recording, of a 
religious nature, has occurred since last first-day. Considerable 
change has however taken place in the weather towards the latter 
part of the week, which, it is said, usually happens, and continues 
for some days after the sun has crossed to the southward of the 
equator. We have had heavy squalls of wind, with rain at times, 
and from the swell that rolls into the harbour of late, it is probable, 
there may have been rugged weather at sea. In the course of the 
past week our stock of wood and water has been completed, but 
it is very difficult to procure a supply of vegetables, owing to Po- 



128 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

mare and her numerous attendants remaining so long upon this 
island ; and we are told they will not depart until they have con- 
sumed all the food in the neighbourhood. 

8th. " From the 4th instant employed chiefly in preparing letters 
for England. In the forenoon to-day, Charles and myself sat down 
together as usual. Much oppressed with heat and heaviness in the 
forepart of our sitting. Towards the end more lively, and strength- 
ened to maintain the watch, even unto prayer at times. Had close 
conversation with the heads of a family, where we afterwards 
drank tea. 

10th. " My mind for the last two or three days has been look- 
ing towards fixing a time for sailing for Huahine, but nothing could 
be clearly discovered. While on shore, yesterday, spent some 
time at the school. To-day another opportunity with the children 
and family at that institution has come much before me, to take 
place to-morrow, after the native or Tahitian meeting is over in 
the forenoon. After closing in with this prospect, the time appear- 
ed come for me to tell our captain, that if the deck of the vessel 
was all ready, and the spars secured in the course of the day, 
there would be no difficulty in being ready for sea on second-day, 
which he readily admitted, and gave orders accordingly. 

11th. (First-day.) " Much rain fell during the night, but after 
day-break the clouds began to disperse, and the day became fine 
as it advanced. This being the case, I felt liberty to convene the 
two families aforesaid. We proceeded to the shore in good time, 
expecting to have to wait for the breaking up of the natives' meet- 
ing, but found, soon after landing, that the meeting was over, and 
Alexander Simpson had returned home. After sitting awhile, I 
told him, that we expected to leave the island to-morrow, and 
queried whether we could not sit down together once more, 
to which he readily assented. We then settled down into com- 
fortable and silent waiting. At length, the time came for me to 
stand up, though under a sense of much weakness. After the si- 
lence was broken into with a short remark, I told them there might 
not be many words, but the desire of my heart was, that we might 
be sensible of the power which was before words were, and would 
remain when words shall be no more : for words shall cease, and 
declarations come to an end ; but the ' Word of our God shall stand 
for ever.' I had to urge the necessity of seeking to know for our- 
selves the Divine Will, and then to do it : that this was the great 
business of life, &c. But knowledge only makes our condemnation 
greater, without obedience keeps pace with it : and truly this know- 
ledge can never be attained in the noise and bustle, and mixture of 
this world ; nor while we are living in conformity therewith, or 
conformed thereto. Nor can we expect to be entrusted with such 
great knowledge as the will of God, whilst in a carnal, unrenewed 
state of mind, according to the testimony of the Apostle to the Ro- 
mans, when beseeching his brethren, * by the mercies of God, to 



DANIEL WHEELER. 129 

present their bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, 
as their reasonable service.' And * be not conformed to this world,' 
said he, ' but be ye transformed by the renev^^ing of your mind, 
that ye may prove vs^hat is that good, and acceptable, and perfect 
will of God.' I had to declare the blessed state of the inhabitants 
of Mount Zion, where every one appeareth before God : they go 
from strength to strength : God is in the midst of her : she can 
never be moved : * He is known in her palaces for a refuge.' The 
stream of Gospel love flowed freely and largely to all present, and 
great was the solemnity that prevailed over us ; such was the con- 
descending mercy and loving-kindness of the Lord to his poor un- 
worthy creatures. We then took leave of the whole, not expecting 
to visit them again, and returned on board to dinner, under feelings 
of gratitude and thankfulness, and in peaceful serenity of mind, not 
conscious of having any further service to attend to in this island. 

12th. " The * Henry FreeHng' being ready for sea, and the 
pilot coming off at an early hour ; at five o'clock, A. M., began to 
weigh the anchor, and at half-past six o'clock she was safely out- 
side of the reef. Having discharged the pilot, we bore up and 
made sail, with a fine fresh trade-wind, for the island of Huahine. 
At four o'clock, P. M., this island was discovered, but as some 
part of the land is very high, and may be seen many miles distant, 
it was considered impossible to reach it before dark ; on this ac- 
count, it was judged most prudent to shorten our canvass and haul 
to the wind in good time, under easy sail during the darkness, with 
plenty of room to drift until the dawn of the morning. At day- 
break edged away towards the island, and by keeping a good look- 
out from the mast-head, we were favoured to distinguish the outer- 
most point of the projecting reef, upon which the white foam of 
the breakers served as a beacon for us to steer by with safety. 
At nine o'clock, A. M., ' hove to,' for the pilot, for whom a signal 
had been previously made. He came on board, accompanied by 
Captain Russel, of the American ship ' Zone.' We beat safely 
through the narrowest part of the channel, and about eleven o'clock 
anchored in Fare Harbour, the 1 3th instant, and moored with a 
chain-hauser, made fast to a cocoa-nut tree upon the shore, there 
being thirteen fathoms of water close in with the strand. Two 
American ships left this neighbourhood yesterday afternoon, one 
of them homeward bound. A sail had been seen by us the pre- 
ceding evening before sun-down, probably the homeward bound 
vessel. The ' Zone' only remained in the harbour. 

" Soon after anchoring in Fare Harbour, a well-dressed person 
came on board, as a constable, to prevent petty thefts and depre- 
dations being committed by the natives who came on board ; but 
we did not consider such a person at all needful ; and having never 
suflfered any material inconvenience of the kind at the other islands, 
this oflfer was declined. I thought it would look Hke distrust on 
our part, and might have an unpleasant, if not injurious effect upon 

12 



130 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

the people. In the afternoon, Charles BarfF, the missionary, came 
on board, and seemed very sociably inclined towards us, and dis- 
posed to render every assistance in his power, when I might feel 
inclined to see the people collected. He translated the queen of 
Tahiti's letter to two of the chiefs of the island of Huahine, then on 
board, who appeared glad at having an opportunity afforded to 
take off the port charges, saying, they should be sorry to have 
been worse thought of than the neighbouring islands. I told them 
it was a very trifling affair, but I thought it would not have been 
handsome treatment, if the option of choosing for themselves had 
not been afforded. At midnight, tremendous gusts of wind from 
the mountains, with heavy showers of rain. 

" We were informed that, a short time ago, some of the principal 
persons which had given away to the temptation of strong drink, 
were the first to come forward to propose that its use should be 
entirely abolished, which eventually was unanimously agreed to 
by general consent of the inhabitants. The reason given for mak- 
ing this proposal was, from a convicting sense that it was taking 
away their lives. Captain Russel told us that there are no spirits 
to be found on shore. One part of his crew go daily for exercise, 
and return every evening in an orderly manner, which would not 
be the case if drink could be purchased. How I should rejoice to 
hear that these islands are strengthened to stand firm against every 
thing of the kind being landed amongst them ; which might easily 
be effected, by supplies being withheld from any vessel attempting 
to trade with it. Every Christian government ought to come for- 
ward for the protection of these defenceless islanders, from every 
cruel outrage of such vessels as might attempt to enforce a com- 
pliance by arms, to supplies being bought, in exchange for rum, 
muskets and gunpowder. 

18th. {First-day.) " Last evening my certificates in the Po- 
lynesian language were handed to Charles Barff, to read at the 
native meeting this morning, if nothing should prevent my attend- 
ance. May the Lord be pleased to exalt his ever excellent name, 
and magnify his power amongst us, until the blessed Truth shall 
rise into dominion, and reign over all to his glory. 

" After an anxious, restless night, in which little sleep could be 
obtained, we arose early, and went on shore in good time, to look 
into the children's school before the meeting took place. All our 
sailors accompanied us, except the Spanish cook and the captain, 
who remained to take care of the ' Henry Freeling.' The meeting 
was large, but the building would have accommodated a much 
larger assembly. The whole population is said to be, by a census 
lately taken, seventeen hundred and sixty persons, including every 
description of age and sex ; but I cannot suppose that many more 
than one thousand were present on the spot. I sat in much con- 
flict of mind : it was a low time with me ; and when my certi- 
ficates were read, and Charles Barff came down from his pulpit, 



DANIEL WHEELER. 131 

there seemed little before me to stand up with ; but after the atten- 
tion of the people was attracted, and a general stillness prevailed 
throughout the assembly, I expressed a desire that ' grace, mercy, 
and peace might be multiphed,' &c., upon all the inhabitants of this 
island ; and then proceeded to declare, that for the sake of Christ 
and his Gospel, I had been induced to leave all that is near and 
dear to me in this world, that ' the fulness of its blessing' might be 
theirs ; desiring that they might not rest satisfied with making an 
empty profession of the religion of Jesus, but that they might come 
to the ' full possession of the Truth as it is in him ;' even * Truth 
in the inward parts :' that so they might be washed, sanctified, and 
justified by his power, in his name, and by the Spirit of our God : 
that Christ might dwell in their hearts by faith ; that they, being 
rooted and grounded in love, might be able to comprehend with 
all saints, what is the length, and breadth, and depth, and height ; 
and know 'for themselves,' the 'love of Christ, which passeth 
knowledge, and be filled with all the fulness of God ;' and not be 
members of an outward and visible church only, but of the new 
Jerusalem church — the church triumphant of the first-born : * re- 
generated' and ' born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incor- 
ruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever,' 
which are written in heaven: pointing out the inward purity of 
heart that must be attained to, and is attainable by all, through the 
precious blood of sprinkHng, which cleanseth from all sin ; show- 
ing them, as ability was graciously afforded, the gradual and pro- 
gressive work and nature of their being turned from darkness to 
light, and from the power of Satan to the power of God in their 
own hearts ; earnestly appealing to them, if they had not at sea- 
sons witnessed the workings of this power, and the in-shinings of 
this light, that reproves for sin, which makes manifest every deed 
of darkness, condemning for sin and for transgression. When the 
meeting broke up, the people flocked round us to shake hands, 
with much apparent warmth and sincerity, of which we partook 
in a large degree. On parting from Charles Barff*, I told him, that 
if I was there in the afternoon, I would take care to endeavour to 
be in time. We returned on board immediately. In the afternoon, 
saw no other way than that of going again to the native meeting, 
and went early on shore for that purpose. Before going into the 
meeting, I mentioned to Charles Barff, that if I found any thing on 
my mind to say to the people, that I intended to come and stand 
by him, at a suitable time. During part of the meeting, it seemed 
as if I should have something to communicate, but this prospect 
eventually closed up altogether. When the meeting was about 
breaking up, I suspected that Charles Barff^ was telling the people 
to stop, (taking it for granted that I should have something to say,) 
and catching his eye, desired that he would not detain them on my 
account : he had then to tell them they might retire. I sat as a 
fool among them, though with a calm and peaceful mind. Some 



132 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OP 

smiled; some said, 'powy^ i.e. it is over, * there is no more/ I felt 
however, quite satisfied through all, and I trust that my apparent 
folly w^ill be a subject long remembered, and wondered at by 
many, and lead some to inquire into the cause. 

Tenth month 22nd. " Soon in the morning received a few lines 
from Charles BarfF, accompanying a translated copy of a note, 
with the original, from Mauiui, our pilot through the reef, as fol- 
lows: 

" As I know not the names of you two gentlemen, I address you 
thus generally. 

" Dear Friends. — All peace to you after living through the 
waves all the way to Tahiti. This is my little word, that I desire 
you two to agree to. Compassionate me, and come to my little 
dinner, about one or two of the day — a little friendly meeting. 
" May you two be saved by Jehovah, 

" Mauiui." 

" An answer was returned to Charles Barff, that, rather than 
disappoint the intended kindness of Mauiui, we purposed accepting 
the invitation. It being fifth-day, we sat down together to wait 
upon the Lord. As regards myself, I thought I was sensible of 
something like a renewal of strength to struggle against the infir- 
mities of the flesh, in drawing nigh to the everlasting fountain. 
About the time fixed, repaired to Mauiui's house, and found the 
company assembled, consisting of the lawful queen of the island 
and her husband, the young queen, Maihara, (who is to have full 
possession of the island next week,) and her husband, brother to 
the husband of Pomare, the queen of Tahiti ; Mahine, the govern- 
ing chief, and his wife, and the two chiefs next in rank upon the 
island, and their wives ; the king of Raiatea's eldest daughter, and 
several younger branches of the chief families. A plentiful supply 
of provisions was set before us, with a variety of vegetables. 
Yams, plantains, sweet potatoes, bread-fruit, taro, &c., cocoa-nut 
milk, sweetened lime-juice and water, and plain water, were the 
beverages made use of The company appeared upon the same 
level ; no distinction of persons was visible. Harmony and good- 
will were the prevalent feelings throughout. The host and his 
wife waited upon their guests with nmch delight and unwearied 
attention. It was afterwards ascertained that this female had been 
brought up in the family of Charles Barff. 

23d. " The authorities of this island are in the practice of 
occasionally meeting together, and they usually solicit the com- 
pany of strangers that may be among them, taking care to fix 
the day for collecting, when these can attend. Several days ago 
we were informed that such a meeting was in contemplation, and 
to-day being agreed upon for holding it, Charles and myself were 
requested to attend. 

" The children were collected in the forenoon at the meeting- 



DANIEL WHEELER. 133 

house, and afterwards formed no insignificant part of the guests at 
the dinner-tables. We dined out of doors, under the shade of 
large trees adjoining the queen's apartments. More than one 
thousand persons were present, including lookers-on, and the fes- 
tival altogether was highly interesting. 

" The company was exhorted by several of the principal speak- 
ers, and the dear children were again and again reminded of the 
privileges enjoyed by these islands in their day and generation. 
They were told, that in the days of superstition and idolatry, 
many of them would have been offered as human sacrifices— that 
some of the boys might have been permitted to live, if their parents 
were of high rank, but the girls were often sacrificed, and many 
of the boys thus preserved would be afterwards killed, being kept 
only for the purposes of war. But now look round, (said one of 
these orators,) at the comforts and blessings we enjoy ; and how 
did they all come, but by the introduction of Christianity amongst 
us ? It was all the goodness, and mercy, and love of Jehovah, in 
sending the Gospel among us. Several of these speakers, on be- 
ginning, addressed themselves to us, in terms of w^elcome and 
approbation. One said, (alluding to myself,) * Your address to us 
last sabbath-day in the chapel astonished us : I thought you had 
got the Bible in your head. We are happy to have a teacher 
come among us, then we have two teachers, one within, and one 
without. You told us, that a mere outward profession of religion 
was nothing ; that it would not benefit us. The Holy Spirit of the 
Messiah in the heart is what we must learn to be acquainted with, 
and that all the w^ork is within ourselves,' &c. He said, *We 
have formerly been a very wicked people; our island has been 
worse than any other island in these seas. Captain Cook said so : 
he found us so : we were the greatest thieves he met with. Cap- 
tain Cook shot several of us ; and if we had provoked him further, 
he would have shot more of us. But your visit to us is not like 
his ; yours is in love to our souls,' &c. In this manner the time 
was occupied for the space of two hours, w^hen a hymn was sung, 
and afterwards a short prayer made by one of the chiefs, when 
the company dispersed with as much order and quietness, as the 
breaking up of a Friends' meeting in England. I could have said 
on the spot, * It is good for us to be here,' for the love of the 
blessed Master flowed through my heart, and softened the creature, 
as into clay fit for the potter's use. It was at this island that Cap- 
tain Cook caused the ears of several of the natives to be cut oflffor 
committing petty thefts on board the ships, and in other respects 
used them very cruelly. 

25th. (First-day.) " For the last three days, at intervals, the 
prospect of attending the native meeting this morning has been 
heavy and humiliating, but there seemed no other way of clear- 
ing my mind, and of being at liberty to leave the island, than 
by standing resigned and willing to be any thing or nothing ; to 

12* 



134 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

go or to stay, according to the good pleasure of that holy will, 
in the counsel of which, I trust, it is my heart's desire to be found 
walking. Rose early to be in readiness, but for want of the 
means of keeping to any fixed time on shore, we found on land- 
ing that the children were coming away from school, although 
half an hour before the proper time for the meeting to gather. 
We remained outside until Charles BarfF and his wife came. He 
asked, if I wished to have the order of things any way altered. 
I told him no ; but that if I found it needful, I should come and 
stand near him at a proper time. I sat under much exercise until 
near the conclusion, when I began to see my way sufficiently clear 
to encourage me to leave the seat, and go to the table, which 
Charles BarfF perceiving, exhorted the people to stillness and atten- 
tion, A solemn silence prevailed, until broken by my saying, 

* Blessed are they which have not seen, and yet have believed in 
the only begotten Son of God ;' enlarging on the love unutterable, 
and gift unspeakable of our heavenly Father, in sending his Son 
into the world, that 'whosoever believeth on him, should not perish 
but have eternal life.' I had largely to speak of the dear Re- 
deemer's kingdom, and the necessity of every individual coming 
to the saving knowledge of it in his own heart ; for it had been 
declared by the Saviour himself to be the thing above all others, 

* needful,' and the righteousness thereof first to be sought for: he 
has also told us where it is to be found. The kingdom of God is 
within you. That all things needful should be added to those that 
obeyed this Divine command of ' Seek ye first the kingdom of God 
and his righteousness.' I had to set before them the gracious 
dealings of the Almighty, and the blessings and privileges by 
which they are surrounded, and the return that is called for at their 
hands. Before sitting down, I had to speak in a close manner 
respecting the rising generation, to the heads of families, that their 
offspring might be placed in a capacity, by being prepared to in- 
herit the same privileges and advantages which they themselves 
enjoy : being confident that if they, the parents, were so favoured 
as to be permitted to enter the kingdom of heaven, none among 
them could be found who would not desire to have their dear 
children there also : and therefore it was their greatest interest, as 
well as bounden duty, to lay these things to heart, &c. The meet- 
ing concluded in a solemn manner. 

26th. " Great part of the day unable to attend to writing or to 
any other private concerns, from the company which kept coming 
on board, evidently with an intention of stopping with us. The 
queen and her husband, with two of the principal chiefs, and 
several others, came to dinner, and remained until near five 
o'clock, P. M., apparently well satisfied with their visit, although 
to ourselves it seemed almost like a day lost; yet it is needful to 
bear and have patience with the childish behaviour of these peo- 



DANIEL WHEELER. 135 

pie, however irksome it may be ; it is more especially trying when 
much disposition to avarice is displayed. 

27th. " Engaged on board until four o'clock, P. M., many of 
the natives constantly with us, among them several young wo- 
men, and younger children of both sexes. They seem to enjoy 
themselves, and I like to see them so comfortable and unsuspect- 
ing, considering themselves quite safe on board. But I cannot 
help viewing their confidence with suspicion and fear, lest the 
treatment they meet with in our vessel, should induce them to 
venture on board of others at a future day, in the same unsuspect- 
ing and unprotected manner. In the afternoon, took exercise on 
shore, and ascended a considerable height up one of the moun- 
tains : Charles Barff having joined us, we accompanied him home 
to tea. In the course of the time we were together at his house, 
the circumstance of the females coming so freely on board the 
* Henry Freeling' was mentioned, and the fears that I entertained 
on their account ; but he said, ' Yours is called the " Praying 
Ship," which is the reason of their venturing on board as they 
do.' However pleasant and satisfactory it is to know the reason 
why our decks are so crowded with this description of female visi- 
tors ; yet we find, to our great reget, that the practice of others in 
going oflf to the shipping is carried on to greater extent than their 
missionary is aware of; although things in many respects are 
much better regulated at Huahine than in other places which we 
have visited. What can be expected, while these poor islanders 
are exposed to the temptations and diseases brought among them 
by the notorious crews of the shipping, the vicious practices of 
whom cannot fail to subvert and banish every virtuous feeling, and 
whose example only teaches them to sin, as with a cart-rope : they 
are like a swarm of destructive locusts, that eat up every green 
thing wherever they come. 

" Although I was favoured with an open relieving season in tes- 
timony at the forenoon native meeting, on first-day last, yet I did 
not feel myself at liberty to leave the island without attending one 
of their meetings, held on other days of the week. Although the 
number of persons who attend on those occasions, from various 
causes, is mostly very small ; it appeared to me probable, that such 
as did get to them, might be considered the most valuable part of 
the community. Before leaving Charles Barflf, I told him that I 
did not feel, as I had a little anticipated would be the case, at the 
conclusion of the meeting last first-day morning ; and that I be- 
lieved it best for me to be at the meeting to-morrow afternoon. 
Both he and his wife gave me to understand that the company 
would be very slender, yet it did not appear right for me to hesi- 
tate or demur on that account. 

28th. "We repaired to the meeting-house about the time 
that the people assembled ; and although but few were collected 
when we got in, yet the whole number at last was far more con- 



136 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

siderable than had been looked for or expected. I had to revive 
the holy promise to them ' that feared the Lord ; that spake often 
one to another, and that thought upon his name.' * They shall be 
mine, saith the Lord of Hosts, in that day when I make up my 
jev^^els; and I v^ill spare them as a man spareth his own son 
that serve th him.' I expressed to the people my belief, that they 
which attended on all such occasions, are in general desirous to 
serve the Lord in their day and generation; and although the 
number may be few, I would not have them discouraged. * The 
righteous shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall 
be stronger and stronger.' That much depended on their conduct, 
and circumspect walking through life ; as they would be looked 
up to by others, and therefore they had the greater need to take 
heed unto themselves. On returning to the vessel, I told Captain 
Keen that I knew of nothing to prevent our saihng for Raiatea on 
sixth-day, the 30th instant. 

" The American ship, '■ Commodore Rodgers,' arrived to-day, 
after a passage of six weeks, from Oahu, one of the Sandwich 
Isles ; a full ship, with spermaceti oil, homeward bound ; she had 
been out thirty months from New Bedford. 

29th. " After dinner Charles BarfF came on board : towards 
■five o'clock, P. M., we went with him to the shore, to take 
leave of his family, in the prospect of leaving them to-morrow. 
Charles BarfF purposes not only accompanying us to Raiatea, but 
also to Tahaa and Bolabola. Without this provision had been 
made, our touching at any of the islands to leeward of this 
place would have been wholly in vain, there being no mission- 
aries residing upon them. The wife and children of George Piatt 
are now Hving at Raiatea, during his absence at Samoas, or Navi- 
gator Islands, whither he is gone with Samuel Wilson. The cir- 
cumstance of Charles BarfF going with us, I cannot but regard as 
a singular interposition of Divine Providence in our favour, as it 
came about without any intervention or preconcerted plan or con- 
trivance on our part ; but originated entirely with himself; not a 
hint having been given nor a desire expressed that this might be 
the case ; it is however in full accordance with the many great 
and marvellous works which our eyes have seen of Him, ' who 
causeth his wand to blow, and the waters flow.' A large parcel 
of religious tracts, and several of the writings of Friends, were 
selected this evening for Charles BarfF, and to be distributed as 
opportunities may ofFer; as the shipping in general are eager to re- 
ceive everything of the kind while on these long and tedious voy- 
ages. In the evening, every thing was ready for our leaving Fare 
Harbour. 

30th. " At the dawn of day began to unmoor and prepare for 
sailing. Captain Taber, of the American ship * Commodore Rod- 
gers,' came on board, and kindly offered to take letters to New 
Bedford, and forward them forthwith from thence to England.'* 



DANIEL WHEELER. 137 



CHAPTER X. 



Raiatea— arrival at Uturoa— native meeting— a place of human sacrifice— meeting at Tahaa 
— a native feeding — Bolabola — desolating effects of intemperance — native meeting — meet- 
ing with the rebel chief and his idolatrous party — native meeting — wretchedness of the 
inhabitants — distribution of clothing — sail for the Sandwich Islands— contrary winds — 
Flint's Island — cross the equator — favourable change — Hawaii in sight — Oahu. 

" At nine o'clock, A. M. (Charles BarfF having been summoned 
on board by our making the signal for a pilot) the ' Henry Free- 
ling' weighed and made sail from Fare Harbour. When clear of 
the reef we ' hove to,' discharged the pilot, took in our boat, then 
bore up, and made all sail for Raiatea. Soon after one o'clock, 
P. M. we passed between the islands, which form the entrance to 
the roadstead ; and at two o'clock anchored in eighteen fathoms 
water off Uturoa, (Oo-too-roa,) the missionary establishment at the 
settlement on the north side of the island. Charles BarfF w^ent on 
shore to dinner, in order to announce our arrival, and be in rea- 
diness to attend a meeting which was to be held in due course that 
afternoon. As only a small portion of the people would be there, 
it was concluded best for me not to be present, so that the reading 
my certificates might not take place until the whole congregation 
was assembled, the day after to-morrow, first-day. Towards 
evening we landed, and went to the mission-house, where we were 
kindly received and entertained by Judith Piatt in the absence of 
her husband : she had a son and daughter at home with her, and 
her eldest son was expected from Bolabola. A considerable num- 
ber of the natives, with Tamatoa, the king, or chief of the chiefs, 
with some of the governors of the island, soon made their appear- 
ance. All the seats in the room, which was large, were occupied, 
and many of the guests were squatted on the floor : they came to 
greet us on our arrival, and bid us welcome ; at the same time it 
served as a plausible pretext for some to gratify their curiosity, 
and to scrutinize the strangers. We were, however, gratified our- 
selves, to find that many of them seemed alive to inquiry, and ap- 
parently desirous to improve. We have again been favoured to 
pass in safety from one island to another, and I trust, I have not 
left any thing undone that should have been done. Although de- 
sirous to move on, yet I am anxious not to be found imprudently 
hastening forward in my own will, instead of patiently and resign- 
edly abiding the Lord's time. We brought with us from Huahine 
the son of one of the principal chiefs, whose mother is now on a 
visit to this island, attending the death-bed of her father. 

Tenth month 31st. "In the course of the day I have been a 
good deal depressed, at the prospect before me of the native 
meeting to-morrow morning; but my trust is in Him whom I 
have been favoured to know ; in whom I have believed, and who 



138 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

said, * Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom : I am understanding, I 
am strength/ 

Eleventh month 1st. (First-day.) "Although half-past nine 
o'clock was the time fixed for the native meeting to begin, yet the 
people were observed moving along by the edge of the sea-coast, 
in small parties towards the meeting-house by half-past seven 
o'clock in the morning. On this account we landed earlier than 
the time agreed upon, that they might not have to wait long before 
our arrival, seeing they could not be blamed for not keeping near 
to the time appointed, not possessing the means of ascertaining the 
hour. On reaching the place we found the meeting nearly gather- 
ed, and Charles BarfF at his post. Perhaps the number collected 
did not exceed materially one thousand persons. 

" Charles BarfF began at an early period of the meeting to read 
my certificates. I had been under a heavy load of exercise during 
the time we had been in the meeting-house, which indeed had been 
the case from an early hour in the morning : but now the cloud 
seemed, as it were, to rise from off the tabernacle, and my way 
seemed clear to stand up. 

" When profound silence reigned, my soul saluted all present in 
the love of the everlasting Gospel in the apostolic language : * Now 
the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord 
Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep ; through the blood of the 
everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work,' &c. 
A pause now followed, and when the attention of the people was 
firmly fixed, I proceeded with ' Launch out into the deep, and let 
down your nets for a draught,' showing the result of willing obe- 
dience to this, and every other command of our Lord, even though 
we may, as it were, have toiled all the night and taken nothing : 
such had been the case in reality formerly, as we may conclude 
from the reply of Simon Peter, ' Master, we have toiled all the 
night and have taken nothing ; nevertheless at thy word I will let 
down the net.' That the blessing Divine might perhaps be wit- 
nessed amongst us this morning, if such a disposition was happily 
wrought in our hearts, and increase and extend, as from vessel to 
vessel, until all were filled. * I am the light of the world,' said 
Christ : * he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall 
have the light of life.' To this I wish to turn the attention of all 
mankind, that Christ may dwell in their hearts by faith, which is 
in Him : then indeed would they be effectually turned * from dark- 
ness to light, and from the power of Satan to the power of God ;' 
and witness for themselves the light of the knowledge of the glo- 
rious Gospel of Christ so to shine in their hearts, as to be to them 
the power of God into salvation. — This was the most attentive 
audience that I have yet stood before as a spectacle ; my heart 
was greatly enlarged, and utterance abundantly given me, far 
beyond what I can convey an idea of here : tending to turn the 
people more and more to the teachings of the Holy Spirit of the 



DANIEL WHEELER. 139 

great, heavenly, and only true teacher in their own hearts ; which 
would tell them all things that ever they did, and by which they 
must be converted and born again, or they could not enter the 
kingdom of God. The solemnizing power of Truth with which we 
were highly favoured, and of which I trust there were many sen- 
sible witnesses, reigned over all : under the covering of which the 
meeting broke up, in great quiet and order. 

" When the people were fairly at liberty, many of all ages and 
both sexes crowded round us, to shake hands, in numbers beyond 
all practicability of ascertaining. I scarcely remember any pre- 
vious meeting after which I felt so much heated, and a long walk, 
exposed to the scorching rays of a verticle sun nearly at noon-day, 
helped not a little to increase this inconvenience. I told Charles 
Barff that I preferred remaining on shore, as I was looking for- 
ward to attend the afternoon meeting at three o'clock. 

"By keeping in the quiet, I was refreshed and ready when the 
meeting-time came. The people assembled early, and in number 
far exceeding what usually attend in an afternoon. I had again 
to turn them to that Holy Word, by which they must be born 
again, that liveth and abideth for ever. This was the hope of Da- 
vid ; he waited patiently for it : he said, he waited for the Lord 
more than they that watch for the morning. * My soul doth wait, 
and in his word do I hope.' 

" After the meeting broke up, we wxre spared the ceremony of 
shaking hands by a discussion which took place among the people. 
As this was in (to me) an unknown tongue, and no interpreter came 
forward, I felt myself at liberty quietly to retire : all the speakers 
were but barbarians or foreigners, as I am amongst the natives of 
these islands without an interpreter. 

" It afterwards appeared that a proposition had been made to 
provide a * feeding' for the strangers on the fifth instant. Upon 
inquiry, I found that it is a voluntary and free-will offering of the 
people themselves, and not arising from any constraint or order of 
the chiefs. This being ascertained, I feel a willingness to accept 
the kindness intended to be shown, at the same time hoping that 
good may come out of it. As regards the body of the people at 
large, this ^ feeding,^ as it is termed, amounts to little more than the 
great bulk of the company bringing their vegetable food with them, 
and eating it, when collected together, by general consent at the 
same time. The seamen of the ' Henry Freeling' attended both 
these meetings in an orderly manner. Returned on board to tea, 
under a feeling of poverty and unworthiness. 

2nd. " In the morning engaged on board. Charles BarfF came 
off, bringing with him John Piatt, (the eldest son of the missionary,) 
who had returned late the preceding evening from Bolabola, to 
which island he had been with a small native built schooner, to 
bring from thence a part of his father's cattle, many of which are 
still remaining there. The mission is entirely withdrawn from Bo- 



140 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

labola, the people having generally given themselves up to intoxi- 
cation, converting even their bread-fruit into spirit by distillation. 

" In the afternoon, went on shore for exercise. Met vv^ith Charles 
BarfF, and after going with him to see a patient labouring under a 
dreadful attack of the elephantiasis, went to look at the grave of 
the late James Loxton, with whom I became acquainted when in 
London about two years ago; he was then a fine young man. In 
this comparatively short space of time, (a fourth part of which had 
been expended on the passage out in the * Tuscan,' or thereabouts,) 
he had arrived at this island, commenced his work, and finished 
his course : his widow has since become a mother, and returned 
to England with her infant charge in a British whaler. 

3d. "Visited the ancient and extensive Marais at the east 
end of the island, accounted the most celebrated in the South 
Seas, and upon which the sacrifice of human fife has been wit- 
nessed to a horrible extent. One of these was styled sacred to the 
god of wars, another to the god of thieves, &c. A native, not 
far advanced in years, who accompanied us, had himself been 
twice present at an exhibition of these dreadful reahties : many 
human bones were lying about. To-morrow afternoon a meeting 
is appointed to be held on the island of Tahaa, not many miles 
distant from Raiatea, and sheltered within the same coral reef. It 
being the usual time for holding the native meeting, and notice 
having been sent yesterday of our intention to be there, it is hoped 
that those islanders will generally attend on the occasion. Tahaa 
is under the control of the government of Raiatea. 

4th. "After dinner set out in company with Charles Barflf, in 
a whale-boat, with a fine breeze of wind, for Tahaa. On landing, 
we stopped at the chief's house while the people had time to col- 
lect. On repairing to the meeting-house but few had come, and 
for some time the prospect was discouraging, particularly to my- 
self, as I felt much depressed, and in a state of more than usual 
desertion and barrenness. As the number of people increased, 
their general behaviour indicated them to be strangers to the im- 
portant object for which they are in the common practice of 
assembling ; a circumstance which may be readily conceived and 
for which allowance should be made, as they are seldom even 
visited by missionaries at the present day. Since the death of 
James Loxton, and the absence of George Piatt on the Samoa 
mission, they have even been left without a native teacher. After 
my certificates were read, I seemed to have little to communicate 
beyond remarking, that it would be understood by what they had 
heard, I had not come amongst them from any sinister or private 
motive of my own, but that I might be found standing in the coun- 
sel of the Divine will; that I sought not theirs but them ; the wel- 
fare of the immortal part in them. For this cause I had left all 
that is dear to me on earth, and that in coming amongst these is- 
lands, I counted not my life dear, *so that I might finish my course 



DANIEL WHEELER. 141 

with joy, and the ministry which I have received of the Lord 
Jesus to testify the Gospel of the grace of God.' That the special 
object of my coming was to turn their attention to the power of 
Divine grace in their own hearts. That they were not beyond 
the reach of that eye, that neither slumbereth nor sleepeth. ' He 
that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep ;' and although 
they were left without an outward teacher, yet if they turned to 
this hght of Christ in their own hearts, in earnestness and sin- 
cerity, they would have a Teacher indeed, that teacheth as never 
man taught ; which could never be taken away or removed : and 
which, if sought after and obeyed, would make them the Lord's 
children, ' heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ' in his heavenly 
Father's kingdom. They would then be members of the Lord's 
church, because the Lord's children, all of whom it is declared 
* are taught of Him ; in righteousness shall they be estabhshed, and 
great shall be their peace.' I had largely to speak to them on the 
great and momentous work of regeneration, and the only blessed 
means by which this can be effected; that of obedience to the 
manifestation of the light of Christ, which shineth in every heart, 
through his Holy Spirit, by which we must all be born again. 

" I had also to speak on the incalculable value of the Holy 
Scriptures : that all Scripture is given by inspiration, and is pro- 
fitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in 
righteousness, &c., and points to the Saviour of the world from the 
earliest ages of time, as the seed of the woman, that shall bruise 
the serpent's head. And that they show forth the gracious deal- 
ings of the Almighty, and testify his love to man, and are replete 
with heavenly precepts, examples and parables. It is a blessed 
Book, the Book of books, setting forth the revealed will of God. 
The meeting at first seemed as if it would be unsettled, but it sunk 
down into quietness as I proceeded ; and before it closed, was 
eminently owned by the Divine Master. I think I never observed 
more attention and interest exhibited, and the countenances of 
many of the people bespoke the solidity of their minds. 

" After noticing several of the people, we proceeded towards 
our boat, which the natives had tolerably well loaded with food. 
After taking a final leave, we were favoured to reach Raiatea be- 
fore dark, and drank tea at the mission-house. 

5th. " This morning our decks were crowded with the Raia- 
teans, who began to bring on board an abundant supply of pump- 
kins, pine-apples, fowls, &c., which they bartered at a low rate. 
At noon, went on shore to partake of the feeding at Tamatoa's 
new house, which was opened, for the first time, on the occasion 
of this public dinner. The building, although extremely large, was 
well filled, and the whole aflfair conducted throughout in an order- 
ly manner. Many able speakers among the people, enlarged in 
an impressive manner upon the privileges they now enjoy ; con- 
trasting their present state (however much below the Christian 

13 



142 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

standard of morality and virtue) with the state they were once in, 
when heathenism reigned unmolested, and every man did what 
was right in his own eyes. When these had apparently finished, 
I told Charles Barff that I wished to speak to the people at a suita- 
ble time, which he communicated to them, and a general silence 
soon prevailed. My mouth was opened freely to declare the day 
of the Lord amongst them, to the great relief of my own mind ; 
standing up with ' Behold how good and how pleasant it is for 
brethren to dwell together in unity !' &c., declaring the blessed- 
ness of those that beHeve the Gospel, that repent and obey it. 
Such find it not to be a mere outward declaration of good things 
to come, but the power of God unto salvation, from sin here, and 
to their everlasting comfort hereafter. It proved a solemn oppor- 
tunity. May it long be remembered, to the Lord's glory and 
praise, by the humble thanksgiving of many. Under a peaceful 
feehng took leave of the people and the chiefs, and returned forth- 
with to the vessel. 

" Found a canoe from Tahaa, with the native school teacher 
and family, who paid us a short visit, and to whom some trifling 
presents were made. The natives on shore perceiving our return 
on board, came off with every kind of supply in their power to 
offer, and kept us very busily employed until it was time again to 
go on shore to pay a farewell visit to Judith Piatt and family, 
whose uniform kindness could not well be exceeded. At eight 
o'clock, P. M. we took leave, and on reaching the * Henry Freel- 
ing,' prepared for sailing in the morning, if nothing arose to 
prevent. The natives were on board at an early hour of the 
morning, on the 6th, and I felt desirous to accommodate 
them by taking their different articles that were at all likely 
to be of use to the ship. As soon as the signal was made for 
saihng, Charles Barff came on board, when all our payments 
were nicely arranged with the bartering parties; and having 
taken in the pilot, the anchor was weighed, and we proceeded 
from Uturoa towards the western passage through the reef. For 
several hours we were baffled between the two islands of Raiatea 
and Tahaa, the wind often light, and shifting from side to side 
every few minutes. At length a fresh breeze sprung up, and after 
making a few tacks we got clear of every shoal, and into the 
open passage ; discharged the pilot, and made sail to the west- 
ward, with a fine trade-wind for the island of Bolabola at half-past 
one o'clock, A. M. Soon after five o'clock we entered a fine 
opening in the reef which encircles this island, and worked up into 
a beautiful, weH-sheltered, and capacious harbour, or haven, suf- 
ficiently extensive to contain a great part of the British navy. 
Anchored in fourteen fathoms water, opposite the once flourishing 
missionary settlement at Vaitape, in latitude 16° 27" south, 152° 
8" west longitude. 

6th. "It was ascertained, after anchoring in the haven of 



DANIEL WHEELER. 143 

Teavanui, that there is a pilot for the accommodation of such 
ships as may incline to enter, but as it seldom happen^ that this 
place is visited at the present day, this man was engaged in fish- 
ing on the other side of the island when we arrived. One of the 
principal chiefs and many of the people have relapsed into their 
former idolatrous practices, and the intoxicated state of the peo- 
ple has latterly deterred ships from calling here, not only from a 
fear of receiving damage, but on account of the few supplies to be 
obtained. Such vessels as do come are mostly American, and 
they generally ' heave to,' or * stand off and on,' at a distance, to 
dispose of rum, in exchange for what the islanders can furnish. 
There is, however, at present but little to be had, as the thought- 
less part of the community (and these unhappily are in power) 
have converted -even their bread-fruit into ardent spirits by distil- 
lation, and many families are now in an unclothed and famishing 
condition. Charles Barff has no doubt but they will be kindly dis- 
posed towards us, and I do not feel the least hesitation in coming 
amongst them. 

" We found here John Piatt, son of the missionary family at 
Raiatea, who has brought over a small cargo of plantains, as food 
for the people. In the schooner with this young man, our kind 
friend and interpreter, Charles Barff, looks forward to return to 
his family at Huahine, after doing all he can for us : he is now on 
shore endeavouring to collect the scattered people at the meeting 
to-morrow. There is a little remnant of serious natives yet re- 
maining, who have hitherto stood firmly against the practices of 
those in authority, and several of them are nearly allied to the 
notorious chief whose name is Mai, (to which the letter O is often 
prefixed.) This Httle band there will be no difficulty in convening. 
We could not have arrived here at a more favourable moment, as 
the stock of spirits is exhausted, and the growing crops are not 
yet ready for the process of distillation. May the Lord work 
amongst them, to the exaltation of his own great and adorable 
name : may now be the accepted time : may now be the day of 
salvation to these poor people, saith all that is within me ! In the 
afternoon landed with Charles Barff for exercise. Saw the relics 
of several Marais, where human sacrifices were formerly oflfered. 
Continued our walk until a bay opened on the other side of the 
island. Passed by one of the dancing-houses, which has been es- 
tablished since the introduction of strong drink amongst them. A 
message was despatched in the course of the day to the head of 
the rebellious party, who has been their leader into every mischief 
and distress that has overtaken them of late, to invite him and his 
company to attend the meeting to-morrow. These people have 
now taken up a position in a distant valley, for the purpose of car- 
rying on their abominable practices more free from restraint : the 
invitation was stated to be at the request of two strangers just ar- 
rived from the island of Raiatea. They returned for answer, that 



144 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

they could not come to-morrow, but would certainly attend on the 
following day. By this it was understood that they are in such a 
reduced, impoverished and suffering state, from their evil habits 
and ruinous practices, as to be for the most part without clothing, 
and their resources exhausted by purchasing rum and other strong 
drink. 

8th. {First-day.) " From appearances upon the shore this 
morning, considerable hopes were entertained that the people in 
the neighbourhood of the settlement, would generally collect to 
attend the meeting. By nine o'clock went on shore, and on reach- 
ing the meeting-house, (a large and commodious building,) we 
found that the children were in school, and singing a hymn before 
separating. When they had finished, we w^ent into the meeting- 
house, where about five hundred of the natives were soon assem- 
bled, but none of the rebel party were there. When Charles Barff 
had finished and come down from the pulpit into the reading-desk, 
I took a station at his left hand. The house being very large, and 
the people seated in a stragghng manner, I suggested their draw- 
ing nearer together and to us ; which was immediately complied 
with in a very rough and disorderly manner, and, as they con- 
tinued unsettled, and talking pretty loud, I said a few words, which 
produced a general silence. My certificates having been read, 
after a pause it was with me to say, — Now let us humble our- 
selves under the mighty hand of God this morning, let us prostrate 
our minds before Him, as a people conscious that to us belongs 
only blushing and confusion of face; peradventure He may conde- 
scend to lift up the fight of his countenance upon us, and bless us 
together, for * God is love.' * As an eagle stirreth up her nest, flut- 
tereth over her young, taketh them, beareth them on her wings,' 
so the Lord is with his people, even ' as the mountains are round 
about Jerusalem — from henceforth even for ever.' I told them 
that I had passed over many miles of trackless ocean to visit them ; 
that I had come among them in the fear and in the love of God ; 
in that love which embraces all, and would gather every son and 
daughter of the human race into the heavenly garner of rest and 
peace : that this love constraineth us, ' because we thus judge that 
if one died for all, then were all dead ; and that He died for all, 
that they which live might not henceforth live unto themselves, but 
unto him, who died for them, and rose again.' The burden which 
rested upon me was to turn them from darkness unto the Holy 
Spirit of Christ Jesus in themselves, to * that light which lighteth 
every one ;' that shineth in the heart ' of every one that cometh 
into the world;' the same and no other than the apostle John so 
fully mentions in the first chapter. That this light would show 
them where they are, and make manifest the state of their hearts, 
setting their sins in order before them, that so they might repent 
of them, and forsake them. That nothing short of * repentance 
toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ,' will be 



DANIEL WHEELER. 145 

availing. That this light is Christ : and if they believe in it, and 
have faith in its powder, they should not walk in darkness, but 
should have the light of life, according to his v^^ord ; ' I am the 
light of the w^orld,' said He ; ' he that followeth me shall not walk 
in darkness, but shall have the light of life.' Have you not heard 
the voice of the Holy Spirit in the secret of your hearts ? I know 
you have ! I am sure you have ! Which of you that has come to 
years capable of reflecting upon your past and present life, can 
say that you have not heard this inspeaking voice, striving with 
you, and reproving you, when about to do evil — when about to 
commit sin, and for sin committed : reminding of sin after sin, 
committed perhaps many years ago ? This light not only discover- 
eth unto man his sins, but as he turneth to it, and followeth it, in 
obedience and heartfelt, unfeigned repentance, his sins are remem- 
bered no more against him ; they are taken away and forgiven, 
and though once of the darkest hue, are now made white in the 
blood of ' the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world.' 
And those who thus turn to hear and obey the voice of the Son of 
God in spirit, although dead in sins and trespasses, ' yet shall they 
live,' and have a Teacher that cannot be set aside, or be removed 
into a corner ; but their eyes shall see their teacher, and their ears 
shall hear a voice behind them, when about to turn to the right 
hand or to the left, saying in effect, ' This is the way, walk ye 
in it ;' such shall no longer walk in darkness, but shall have the 
light of life, &c. Although poor and low enough before standing 
up, yet now my tongue was loosed, and my heart expanded in 
that love and strength, which alone clotheth with authority to set 
the truth over all, and cause even the earthly tabernacle to rejoice 
in the midst of the tribulations of the Gospel, because its consola- 
tions are known and felt to abound and create renewed sensations 
of gratitude and praise, ' to the glory of God the Father,' for Jesus 
Christ is Lord. It was a blessed meeting. When it broke up, the 
people crowded round about us in their usual way to greet the 
strangers. When going to the afternoon meeting, I told Charles 
Barft' from present feeHng, that I believed I should have nothing to 
say to the people ; and so it proved, for I sat as a sign amongst 
them; but peace and resignation to the Divine will were my 
dwelling place. Our captain and seamen attended both these 
meetings. 

9th. " A messenger was despatched early this morning to as- 
certain whether the rebel chief and his party were likely to keep 
their word and come to us ; as I had concluded, if they failed in 
fulfilling their promise, to visit them in their own valley, although 
it might resemble in degree that of rousing the lion in his den. 
The messenger, however, reported, on returning, that the chief 
would come to us in the forenoon. By ten o'clock, A. M., infor- 
mation was received that he was near at hand ; when we (accom- 
panied by Charles Barff*) landed to meet the party. It soon ar- 

13* 



146 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

rived, and knowing that this man had objected to go into the 
meeting-house, this was not urged, but we took up our station im- 
mediately under the shade of an immense tree, under the wide- 
spreading branches of which several hundred persons could be 
sheltered from the scorching heat of the sun. The chief, at the 
head of a large banditti of females, first made his appearance ; and 
on coming near to us, said, ' You are come at a good time, and 
I hope that one or both of you will remain with us and be our 
teachers/ I told him we were not at our own disposal, that we 
must go wherever it is the will of the Lord, and that I believed we 
had many places to go to beside that island. We then shook hands 
with him and all his followers. The females were decorated in 
true ancient heathen style, with garlands of flowers upon their 
heads, and were persons employed to perform for their chief's 
amusement, those disgraceful and abominable dances practised in 
these islands before the introduction of the missionaries. A body 
of men then followed, each of them throwing one or more cocoa- 
nuts at our feet as they came up ; and those couples which had 
them suspended from a pole, threw them upon the ground in a 
ludicrous manner, which kept the whole assembly and the rabble 
that attended on the occasion, in constant laughter and confusion. 
Upon the chief beginning to*ask some questions about us, I propo- 
sed that my certificates should be read, which Charles Barflf at 
once assented to, when silence was immediately proclaimed. Be- 
fore the reading was finished, these wild, thoughtless people were 
measureably changed into an attentive audience. When the read- 
ing was finished, all remained silent ; and after a pause, I exhorted 
them to let the Lord God be their fear, and let him be their dread. 
* He is not far from every one of us,' said I ; ' for in him we live, 
and move, and have our being :' saying, that I had hoped to see 
their faces yesterday with the rest of the inhabitants of the island, 
who gave me their company ; but as this was not the case, it was 
my intention to-day to have visited them where they dwelt, as I 
could not think of leaving the island without seeing them; for the 
Lord God, whom I serve, is a God of love and of mercy, and 
willeth not the death of a sinner, but rather that all should repent, 
return, and live. For this he sent his only begotten Son into the 
world, *that whosoever believeth on Him should not perish, but 
have everlasting life.' It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of 
the living God ; for if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall 
the sinner and the ungodly appear. That for the sake of Christ 
and his Gospel I was come amongst them, for his inheritance is 
still the heathen, and the uttermost parts of the earth his possession. 
That I was a stranger, and knew nothing of the existing difl^erences 
that prevailed amongst them, and desired to know nothing amongst 
them, but * Jesus Christ and him crucified ;' but this I do know, that 
you have not obeyed the Gospel ; ' For if ye live after the flesh, ye 
shall die; but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the 



DANIEL WHEELER. 147 

body, ye shall live/ * Be not deceived ; God is not mocked ; for 
whatsoever a man sow^eth, that shall he also reap. For he that 
sovi^eth to his flesh, shall of the flesh reap corruption ; but he that 
soweth to the Spirit, shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.' ' Turn 
ye, turn ye, why will you die V Your only refuge is in Jesus ; and 
a measure or manifestation of his Holy Spirit is given to every man 
to profit withal ; this is the light of Christ in your hearts, which if 
taken heed to, will place your sins in order before you, in match- 
less love and mercy, that you may repent of them, and be saved 
from them. But if you continue to disregard this light, and to 
rebel against it, it will be your condemnation, and the wrath of 
God will overtake you. He will laugh at your calamity, and mock 
when your fear cometh : the wicked shall be turned into hell, and 
all the people that forget God. I warned them, in the fear, and in 
the dread, and in the love of God, to flee from the wrath to come 
— to repent, believe, and obey the Gospel — to seek the Lord while 
he may be found, to call upon him while he is near. * Let the 
wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts : 
and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon 
him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.' They were 
warned of the judgments of the Lord that would overtake them if 
they continued in their wicked practices, and entreated to turn unto 
the Lord; to acquaint themselves with Him and be at peace, &c. 
All was chained down and laid low ; their haughty and airy looks 
were changed into those of serious thoughtfulness by that Almighty 
Power, which controlleth the hearts of all men. 

" When we separated, this chief came to Charles Barff* and told 
him, that old thoughts had been brought into his mind, and he 
seemed kindly disposed towards us. We remained on shore while 
some medicines were prepared and administered to the sick, and 
on returning to the vessel, found the chief had got there before us, 
with two of his sons-in-law, of the solid party, who staid dinner. 
One of the females had the audacity to make her appearance in 
the cabin at dinner-time ; but Charles Barfl^, knowing the vileness 
of her character, she was forthwith dismissed. The visit of this 
man was far from satisfactory, but it was submitted to, in the hope 
that hereafter good might arise out of it. Our decks were crowd- 
ed in the afternoon by the natives, but we were favoured to pass 
through it without any unpleasant occurrence. They are a proud, 
haughty people, that delight in war, and since the introduction of 
strong drink amongst them, and the practice of distillation, the 
missionary, George Piatt, deemed it no longer safe to reside upon 
the island, and removed with his family to Raiatea, as before men- 
tioned. It is affecting to witness the degraded and miserable ap- 
pearance they now make for want of clothes, &lc. Fowls, hogs, 
cocoa-nuts, pine-apples, &c., were brought on board by the solid 
party in tolerable abundance. Towards evening we went on shore, 
and called with Charles BarfF to see several of the sick people, of 



148 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

whom there are many : mostly wasting away by the disease brought 
amongst them by the Hcentious crews of the shipping. 

10th. " To-day our deck has again swarmed with the natives, 
and although the principal part of our crew with our captain are 
engaged on shore procuring water, (a scarce article here,) yet 
there was nothing to apprehend from their numbers. Perhaps the 
treatment met with in our vessel is such as they never witnessed 
before, and we were far from entertaining a thought of danger, 
although the average number on board was ten of them to one of 
us, but their deportment has hitherto been uniformly gentle and 
harmless. They are naturally a ferocious people, and when not 
at war with their neighbours, are frequently engaged in broils 
amongst themselves. Great is the love I feel for them, as a stream 
in my heart, and particularly towards the poor neglected children. 
To-morrow morning a meeting is to be held, to which I have been 
looking at times since \sist first-day afternoon. All my springs are 
in the Lord Most High : when He is pleased to shut, who can 
open ? Unto whom shall I look, or whither shall I go ? for the 
words of eternal hfe are only with the Lord Jesus ; the crucified, 
risen, and glorified Saviour. 

11th. "Attended the meeting held at the settlement at nine 
o'clock this morning, but the persons present were few in compari- 
son with those at meeting last first-day. I was strengthened to 
declare amongst them, that one hour in the Lord's presence is 
better than a thousand elsewhere : ' I had rather be a door-keeper 
in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness ;' 
for in His presence only there is hfe, and at his right hand are 
pleasures, durable as the days of heaven. 

" I felt much for the upright-hearted little remnant amongst them, 
who are desirous to serve the Lord in their day and generation. I 
wished them to be encouraged to hold on their way, for in due 
time they will assuredly reap if they faint not ; although they must 
expect many temptations and snares to be laid for them by the 
great enemy of God and man, and also by their brother islanders, 
for those that live godly in Christ Jesus, ever suffer persecution. 
The invitation of the Saviour, given when on earth, is still extend- 
ed for us to come unto Him in spirit : it is there we must learn of 
Him. He is the only true teacher of his people, and continueth to 
teach, as never man taught. * Take my yoke upon you, and learn 
of me,' said he, ' for I am meek and lowly in heart : and ye shall 
find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden 
is light.' We shall be taught how to pray to the holy Father in 
faith, believing in the name of the Son ; and what we ask, when 
thus quahfied and influenced, we shall most assuredly receive for 
Christ's sake, and shall know from living experience that peaceful 
and easy is his yoke, light the burden, sweet the rest. The watch 
tower is the Christian's only safe retreat, his only refuge from the 
enemy. It is the place where prayer is wont to be made, appoint- 



DANIEL WHEELER. 149 

ed in love to man by Him who said, * What I say unto you I say 
unto all, watch. Watch and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.' 
I had much more to express amongst them. It was to my own 
relief, and peace, and comfort, and I humbly trust if none were 
benefitted, that none would be hurt, for it was the Lord's doing, 
and to Him alone belongs the praise : man is altogether shut out 
and excluded. 

" Busily employed the rest of the day on board, until evening, 
then landed and explored the neighbourhood for exercise. In the 
course of our travel, drank some excellent juice of a cocoa-nut, 
taken from a tree in our sight, which with three others, were 
planted about twelve years ago by George Bennet. 

1 2th. "This morning our deck again teeming with the natives: 
they are so eager to obtain some article or other from us, that they 
bring with them for sale the very utensils out of their huts ; useful 
to themselves, but to us of no value whatever. The poverty, dis- 
ease, and wretchedness of many of them is truly affecting, and 
ahhough mostly of their own bringing on, yet they are deeply to 
be felt for. It being fifth-day, we sat down together in the cabin, 
in the forenoon as usual; and although there was much noise upon 
the deck with these people, yet it served to make us sensible of 
our own weakness, and to awaken feelings of humility in com- 
miserating the sufferings of others, in contritedness before the 
Lord. It would have afforded great satisfaction to clothe the 
poor naked children of this island, had I possessed the means, but 
the number is too great for my resources. It would have been a 
difficult matter to effect without creating jealousy or envy between 
the two parties. The children of the most notorious and unwor- 
thy parents were the most destitute, as might be expected ; and 
yet more seemed due to the children of those parents who are 
struggling to stem the torrent of iniquity and dissipation so strongly 
and alarmingly threatening totally to lay waste the already much 
decreased and emaciated population. I was in great hopes that 
the children of sober parents would furnish a plausible pretext for 
being rewarded by having learned to read and write ; but this did 
not prove to be the case with such as came an board the vessel, 
except in one instance of a Httle girl, who came with her father to 
sell her own fowl. On trial it was found she could write very 
well with a pencil on a slate. After having fitted her with a child's 
robe, she brought me the fowl as all she had in her power to make 
me recompense ; but to her increased delight, I then bought the 
fowl for a thimble, two or three needles, and some thread. Dresses 
were also fitted upon two other children, the next deserving, but 
in order to select some more objects suitable for our purpose, 
Charles Barff was employed, who readily undertook to procure a 
list of the most diligent scholars from a native teacher. Forty- 
four garments were appropriated in this manner. In the evening 
visited the shore for the last time. Charles Barff being anxious to 



% 



150 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

return to his family at Huahine, any further stay at this island 
would have been useless on my part without our interpreter : but 
its suffering inhabitants will not be easily effaced from my memo- 
ry; for whose welfare my heart is deeply interested, and for whom 
I must long mourn in secret, not having at any time felt a greater 
drawing of love for any people amongst whom my lot has been 
cast in this southern hemisphere, than for those of Bolabola. As 
we passed along the skirts of the harbour, we were followed by 
groups of the scarcely clad, famishing, dear children, who, from 
their eagerness to get near enough to us, might have known that 
the time of our departure drew nigh: their pallid, though quick 
and intelhgent, countenances met us in every direction that we 
went. We returned on board at the close of the day-light, and 
made some preparation towards sailing. 

13th. " After breakfast, a chapter in the Testament was read, 
as usual, and having spent a short interval in retirement together, 
Charles BarfF and John Piatt prepared to leave us. As soon as 
the anchor was weighed, our kind friends pushed off for the shore; 
and, quitting the well-sheltered haven of Te-ava-nui, we stretched 
through the opening of the reef, and once more committed our- 
selves to Him, at whose command the vast Pacific rolls. After 
getting from under the lee of the island, the weather proved rug- 
ged, and the wind scant. This day two years ago, we embarked 
from London to join the * Henry Freeling' at the Lower Hope, 
about seven miles below Gravesend. Many have been our toss- 
ings, and buffetings, and provings since that time ; but through 
that loving-kindness which is better than life, we have been de- 
livered out of them all ; and are still left to acknowledge, in the 
grateful language of the Psalmist, that ' the goodness of God en- 
dureth continually,' and his love and his mercy unceasingly flow 
from the rivers to the uttermost parts of the earth. 

14th. " To-day at noon the island of Bolabola seventy-six miles 
distant. Strong breezes against us, with squalls, and heavy show- 
ers of rain. The best hog in our stock was so tired of his situa- 
tion, that he sprung overboard and was lost; there being too much 
sea running for a boat to attempt to save him. Towards evening 
strong squalls, with much thunder, lightning, and heavy rain. The 
foot-rope of our jib gave way, but was discovered in time to save 
the sail. 

16th. " Yesterday the roughness of the weather and the har- 
assed state of our people, (several of them still sea-sick,) compelled 
us to relinquish meeting together in our customary manner on first- 
days. To-day the weather boisterous, and the wind contrary. 
After dark, frequent flashes of hghtning from east to west. Birds 
of two kinds settled on the mast and suffered themselves to be 
taken, apparently nearly exhausted with fatigue. The very unset- 
tled state of the weather, the opposing blast, debility of body, and 
poverty of mind seem to unite in producing fresh trials of our faith 



DANIEL WHEELER. 151 

and patience ; but I trust it will be seen hereafter that all things 
have been working together for good. Had we known what 
awaited us, it is probable we should have still clung to the shelter 
of Bolabola, although for want of Charles BarfF our situation 
would have been far from pleasant there. It is not long ago since 
an attempt was made by the rebellious party to seize a vessel 
which had put into the harbour for supplies : this, however, was 
frustrated by the sober part of the community, who armed them- 
selves, and came forward in time to prevent its success. While 
we were there, the natives came on board without restriction by 
forty or fifty at a time : they were received in fullest confidence ; 
our boarding nettings were entirely kept out of sight, and we felt 
perfectly safe among them. Some trifling thefts were committed, 
not worth noticing, although a good look-out was kept by our men. 
The three chiefs next in authority to the present vicious ruler, Mai, 
are all his sons-in-law by marriage, and stand opposed to his shame- 
ful conduct ; they are at present the means of preserving the degree 
of moral order still existing upon the island : they have been ap- 
plied to, to destroy their father-in-law, and rule themselves ; but 
they say, ' He is our father ; we cannot do that : we must bear 
with him.' 

18th. "Yesterday the strength of the wind abated, but it re- 
mains still contrary with a heavy swell. At noon our latitude by 
observation 12° 54" south. To-day the weather fine, but the wind 
still northerly. The Magellan clouds are seen every night, but 
visibly getting lower and lower. We hope soon to get in sight 
again of the north star, which has for many months been hidden 
from us. 

19th. " The wind still contrary. Endeavoured to commit my 
cause to Him who knows the depth of the motive that induced 
our steps being directed to the Sandwich Islands. The protracted 
adverse winds and humiliating state of mind, at present my portion, 
could not fail prompting to a strict examination of the foundation 
cause of this movement. I had, previously to finishing our visit to 
the Georgian and Society Isles, looked different ways as to the next 
route to be pursued. Roratogna, Tongataboo, and New Holland, 
seemed the places in regular course and succession in the nature 
of things ; but the Sandwich Islands were often before me. How- 
ever undesirable to the natural incHnation of flesh and blood in 
this the evening of my day, the prospect might be, of adding several 
thousand miles to our already lengthened distance from home, 
which must be the result of our going thither ; yet, no light or 
brightness shone upon any other track, and therefore, without hesi- 
tating, as the time of finishing at the southern islands drew nigh, I 
took care that the vessel was provided with water, hogs, and vege- 
tables, to be in readiness to proceed, as the way should open ; and 
at length left Bolabola with a peaceful mind, under a belief that to 
proceed to the Sandwich Islands was the only safe path for me to 



152 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

pursue, and therefore we at once shaped a course towards the 
equator. This being ffth-day, it was a great comfort to have the 
privilege of sitting down to wait upon the Lord, who knoweth the 
secret exercises of my mind on the present occasion. After our 
sitting was over, I felt reUef, and, I trust, resigned to the dealings 
of our heavenly Father. 

20th. " Last evening, being in about the latitude of Flint's 
Island mentioned in Norie's list, a good look-out was kept for it 
during the night. This afternoon, just before sun-setting, the ap- 
pearance of land was announced. Upon examining the latitude 
by observation at noon, and the course of the vessel since made 
good, there is no room to doubt but the land in sight is Flint's 
Island, in latitude 11° 30" south, and which may be considered as 
accurately laid down. This is frequently not found to be the case, 
and when islands are wrongly placed on the charts, they are cal- 
culated only to mislead, rather than assist a stranger. After dark, 
edged away to give this land a wide berth, it being uncertain how 
far its coral crags may extend from the main body of it. This 
island bore from us, when last seen, east by north, about ten miles 
distant, and appeared in the form of three small islands close to- 
gether. It is cause of humble thankfulness that we have not been 
taken by surprise in meeting with it in the dark, or under circum- 
stances unfavourable and dangerous. To-day abiding through 
favour in the low and peaceful valley, although under more than 
ordinary circumstances of discouragement, by reason of the in- 
creased swelling of the lower part of my legs and ankles, from 
the supposed cause of the great and constant heat to which we 
are subjected, together with the want of exercise, which the in- 
cessant motion of the vessel almost precludes the possibihty of 
obtaining ; but in my straits and difficulties I am endeavouring to 
< set the Lord always before me,' believing He will not permit me 
to be greatly moved at what he may be pleased to dispense to a 
* worm and no man,' as is often my state of feeling and condition. 

23d. " The weather much the same since the 20th inst. Yes- 
4erday very wet and squally, and although the first-day of the 
week, we were forced to let it pass over without assembling the 
people. As regards myself, poor and low ; endeavoured to keep 
my mind stayed, watching unto prayer towards the Lord. At our 
evening reading, my understanding was renewedly opened, to com- 
prehend in a spiritual sense some texts of Scripture which were 
read ; to my comfort and edification, and I hope to my Maker's 
praise. Towards night the wind came fair, but the old swell was 
so heavy that we could not make it availing. At ten o'clock, P. M. 
a dark cloud arose in front of the vessel, when our fair wind gra- 
dually died away, and was succeeded by another edition of ad- 
verse breezes, accompanied with heavy rain. To-day fair weather, 
which afforded our people an opportunity to dry most of their wet 
clothes. 



DANIEL WHEELER. 153 

26th. Latitude 9° 44" south. " Since second-day many changes 
have taken place, but mostly tending to retard our progress, as we 
have only altered the latitude about tvs^enty-tw^o degrees. This 
forenoon we held our little meeting, and notwithstanding previously 
to sitting down I felt surrounded and hemmed in outwardly and 
inwardly by discouraging circumstances, yet as the struggle was 
maintained, a gleam of comfort seemed to shine as from the Sun of 
Righteousness, which alone can avail and cheer the drooping tra« 
veller in the Christian course, and strengthen him more and more to 
walk by faith and not by sight ; and less and less to look for sup- 
port and comfort from the perishing * things that are seen' and only 
* temporal ;' whilst the blessed realities which endure, are ' not 
seen,' but are * eternal.' 

27th. " We were favoured this morning, soon after breakfast, 
with a sight of Caroline Island, about three leagues under our lee. 
Although from the present wind, and relative positions both of the 
vessel and this island, we could never have touched it, yet it is 
comforting and reheving when permitted to have a distinct view 
of such lurking neighbours; as it at once places all risk of run- 
ning upon them in the darkness of the night beyond the shadow of 
a doubt. Caroline Island, like many others of those beautiful spots 
which stud the capacious bosom of this vast ocean, is so low that 
nothing was apparent but the tops of the trees that grew upon its 
coral foundation : it is said to be uninhabited. This day my sixty- 
fourth year is completed, and when I look at the lateness of life's 
hour, and consider my present situation, (contending with winds 
and waves on this side the globe, and my hands ready to hang 
down under a sense of weakness and increasing infirmities which 
cannot be mistaken,) it is truly appalling. Ffeel at times ready to 
faint at the niagnitude of the prospect still widely spread before me, 
and certainly ' I should have fainted' long ago if I had not believed 
to see, and also been permitted to see, to my finite admiration, 
the mercy, the goodness, and the faithfulness of * the Lord in the 
land of the Hving.' He beareth up my often drooping and helpless 
head above the strife of the mighty waters: He sustaineth and 
upholdeth me by the word of His power for His great name's 
sake. 

29th. " The weather still rough and unsettled. This is the third 
first-day in succession that we have been prevented from meeting 
together in the usual way. A circumstance that did not occur 
during the long and stormy outward-bound passage from England. 
Such is the closeness and heat of the cabin below, that our toiling 
sailors soon become drowsy in this climate, which renders almost 
useless our assembling any where but on the deck, which the wea- 
ther of late has not permitted. 

Twelfth month 4th. " Since the 29th ult. nothing to record but 
a series of rough and unsettled weather, (excepting those mercies 
which are new every morning,) until the 2nd instant, when a sight 

14 



154 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

of the sun was obtained, and our true latitude found to be 11° 46" 
south, having drifted about two degrees to the southward, owing 
to the prevalence of strong northerly winds, and the swell of the 
sea against the vessel. 

"Yesterday the weather and wind more favourable, which was 
succeeded by a calm. It being fifth-day, we held our usual meet- 
ing in thankfulness for the quiet opportunity afforded by the more 
gentle tossing of the vessel. Supported in humble resignation to 
divine disposal. In the afternoon a shark was taken, about seven 
feet long. This day, three weeks from the island of Bolabola. 

10th. "No material alteration in the weather since the 4th 
instant, although some progress has been made. On first-day, the 
6th instant, portions of Scripture were read to the crew in the 
forenoon ; in the afternoon this was prevented from taking place, 
by the state of the weather. To-day we sat down together in the 
morning, and I was favoured to feel refreshed. We have now a 
steady trade-wind from the eastward, sufficient to allow our making 
a north course good against an opposing swell, but greatly annoyed 
with another swell more heavy upon the quarter, which makes the 
motion uneasy, and at times violent. Latitude this day at noon 
3° 9" south. 

14th. " Steady wind from the east and fine weather. Yester- 
day, assembled the crew twice in the day for devotional purposes. 
About eleven in the forenoon, the * Henry Freeling' entered the 
North Pacific. At noon our latitude 0° 6" miles north of the equa- 
tor. Longitude about 147° west. This morning we have got 
through a strong current which in the course of a few hours had 
swept us twenty-eight miles to the westward, as indicated by the 
chronometers. On examining our private chart, we find that Wal- 
ker's island is at no great distance from us. A good look-out will 
be kept in the course of the night, and as the moon rises about two 
A. M. its additional light will be very acceptable and opportune. 

" For more than three weeks after leaving Bolabola, our pro- 
gress has been greatly impeded by an almost constant succession 
of contrary winds and rugged weather, and yet I could never see 
my way to bear up and run back to the islands for shelter. I be- 
lieved on setting out that the track towards the Sandwich Islands 
was the right one for me to pursue, and yet every thing combined 
to obstruct and frustrate our best attempts to persevere. Winds, 
from quarters from which they are seldom known to blow in these 
seas, were permitted to buffet us, at times strongly with considera- 
ble sea: these, together with a succession of drenching heavy 
thunder rains, made the prospect additionally discouraging and 
gloomy to some on board. Although I never hinted it to any one, 
yet I had pretty much concluded that, on reaching the equator, if 
the northerly blast should then appear to be fairly established 
strongly against us, I should be satisfied to bear away before it 
for the nearest port, rather than any longer to persist in beating 



DANIEL WHEELER. 155 

our little vessel to pieces by contending against its overwhelming 
force ; as having done all I could to endeavour to follow the line 
of apprehended duty cast up before me ; not doubting but the will 
would be accepted for the deed, by Him who knows the integrity 
of all hearts, and had witnessed our faithful striving, in vain, week 
after week, to accomplish its fulfilment. But, on reaching the 
utmost bound of south latitude, yesterday, instead of boisterous 
and contrary winds, we were favoured to cross into the northern 
hemisphere with a leading breeze, and as beautiful weather as could 
be imagined : and such has been our progress through the night, 
that at noon this day, our latitude is 2° 28" north ; 146° 59" west 
longitude, by lunar observation. This change in a prospect so 
lately and so darkly clouded, has brought with it comfort and 
strength, and caused gratitude and thanksgiving to spring in my 
heart to our all-merciful and faithful Creator and Preserver. 

17th. " Continued to make rapid progress since the 14th instant 
to the northward with a side-wind. Yesterday the appearance of 
the weather very threatening, and the swellings of the ocean much 
increased. A considerable quantity of rain fell in the course of 
the day, but the clouds most heavily charged rode past us alto- 
gether unbroken. Charles and myself sat down in the forenoon, 
and towards the latter end of our sitting, a small portion of strength 
was felt, to draw nearer to the Fountain of life. 

18th. " A steady wind, about one point free. At noon the lati- 
tude 10° 25" north; 146° 16" west longitude. The distance from 
the north end of the island of Hawaii about seven hundred miles ; 
bore up another point to the westward, which increases our speed 
and lessens the motion of the vessel. 

21st. "The wind rather more in our favour. Our progress 
somewhat retarded by reason of changing several of our sails, 
from their being too old and thin to trust to, when liable to heavy 
gusts from mountainous land. Yesterday assembhng the crew for 
devotional purposes was not omitted. At ten o'clock P. M. last 
night shortened sail, for fear of a supposed island being in our 
route, called Hirst's Island. This island is mentioned by Norie, 
in a chart pubUshed in 1833, belonging to our mate; whilst our 
own private chart, and the ship's atlas are silent on the subject. 
It is probable this island may exist, but certainly not in the place 
laid down ; as we must have passed nearly over the spot where it 
is said to be, in the dark, and met with nothing. This circum- 
stance cost us several hours of a beautiful wind, without the satis- 
faction of being able to furnish an accurate statement of the fact 
of there being such an island, and of its true position, for the benefit 
of other wandering pilgrims on this expansive watery waste. 

" On the 19th, did not fail, and, I trust, allowably so, to remem- 
ber the mercifully-bestowed, and long-entrusted and beloved part- 
ner of my bosom ; a bosom friend indeed ; guileless and faithful, to 
my so much the greater and irreparable loss, but to her eternal 



156 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

gain. Humble resignation to the divine will is as a canopy of 
peace around me, although the loss was such, that even time does 
not lessen its value. 

23d. " Yesterday the wind fresh and favourable : through the 
night got on rapidly also, and to-day still hastening onward with a 
following sea. At noon the latitude 19° 41" north ; at four o'clock 
P. M. longitude 153° 18" west. This morning hauled a little more 
to the westward, to endeavour to make land. Just before sun-set, 
the sight of land was announced from the mast-head, but the haze 
about the water's edge, made it very indistinct, and not visible from 
the deck to myself, until the sun had sunk below the horizon ; when 
not only the stupendous mountain of Mouna Kea, with its snow- 
clad top, which is more than 13,000 feet above the level of the 

sea ; (as per the recent accurate measurement of Douglas ;) 

but the lower land towards the north cape of the island of Hawaii 
could be plainly distinguished at the distance of more than eighty 
miles. Here is a renewed call for thankfulness after such a wind- 
ing and intricate passage of six weeks, thus to be favoured with 
such a defined, and decidedly excellent landfall before the night 
closed upon us, which is now long and dark, the shortest day, in 
this region, being just over, and the moon but in an infant state at 
present. The mercies of the Lord are indeed from everlasting to 
everlasting, and blessed for ever is He, the Lord God of Israel, 
who only doeth wondrous things ; and blessed be his glorious name 
for ever, and let the whole earth be filled with his glory : and who 
can refrain from saying with David, ' amen and amen V 

24th. "This sight of the land enabled us to run through the 
dark under whole canvass without fear, making great progress ; 
and this morning the lofty mountain upon Hawaii, from our having 
approached at least fifty miles nearer to it, appeared twice as high 
as it did last evening. Before noon the island of Maui was dis- 
cernible from the deck, and at sun-down Tauroa was plainly to be 
seen. In the evening brisk gales and fine weather, with as fair a 
wind as could be desired. At eight o'clock P. M. off the west end 
of Maui; reduced the canvass for the night. Our getting into 
Oahu to-morrow is at present uncertain; the day must declare 
that event: at four o'clock P. M. this afternoon we were one hun- 
dred and thirty miles distant from that island. Some of my be- 
loved friends may be at a loss for the reason of our passing by 
some of the largest islands in the Sandwich group, (particularly 
Owhyee, formerly considered as the king of the cluster,) and aim- 
ing directly at one not one-third its size, and much less than Maui. 
This decision seemed to arise from the circumstance of Captain 
Keen's being a stranger at the other islands, and from the infor- 
mation obtained, that there was no safe anchorage for a vessel in 
the winter season, but at Oahu (in the port of Honolulu) where 
there is safety at every season of the year. It occurred to me at 
the same time that, if we should be favoured to reach Oahu in 



DANIEL WHEELER. IST 

safety, and then find it necessary to proceed to other islands, some 
person might be found well acquainted with their diflferent bays, 
roads, coves, creeks, &c., and easily obtained to accompany us on 
such a visit. These were my motives for what might seem, and 
did seem to some people, beginning at the wrong end of the work, 
by going to leeward, and having to come back again against the 
trade-wind, which is no easy matter. But I have since found that 
I should have been wrong altogether if I had stopped short of 
Oahu, for here I found the seat of the government of the islands 
established ; and also the head quarters of the American mission- 
ary establishment : in short, the only means of access to the au- 
thorities of the other islands, and to the missionary stations, were 
here ; and, in some instances, we could not have procured supplies 
for the vessel without an order from the government, or an agent 
of theirs sent along with us. I mention the missionary stations as 
needful to have access to, because it is only at them that I can 
look for an interpreter, and through him that I can speak to the 
native tribes. We therefore passed by Hawaii, Maui, and Mora- 
kai, at all of which are several missionary stations, except the last 
mentioned, where there is only one. And it now fully appears 
that the step of coming in the first place to Oahu, has opened the 
way in a most satisfactory manner, in every respect, for a visit to 
the other islands. I have added the foregoing explanation while 
transcribing this series of Extracts, &c., for the information and 
satisfaction of my dear friends. 

" I feel it no light thing to be, as it were, upon the eve of again 
landing upon shores by myself as yet untrodden, amongst thou- 
sands and thousands of my fellow-creatures, in whose sight I must 
unquestionably appear, ' as one born out of due time ;' but when I 
trace the motive and the sole object of my coming to its utmost 
source, I am favoured to find a foundation firm enough to bear me 
out : and the prospect of another opportunity being afforded me, 
for the exaltation of the dear Redeemer's kingdom, at seasons 
warms and gladdens my heart, rekindling a measure of that love 
which desires the welfare of all mankind the world over ; which 
prompted me to forsake my all that is near and dear on earth, to 
declare amongst these heathen tribes its ' unsearchable riches ;' 
many of whom have long since heard of the name of Jesus, the 
Messiah, at a distance, but know him not as a Saviour, nigh in the 
heart to save them from their sins. 

25th. " The breeze continued until midnight, after which it 
gradually lessened, and at four o'clock, A. M., w^e were becalmed. 
In the forenoon made some progress with light winds, and before 
noon got sight of Oahu, but the prospect of our getting in is now 
doubtful, the wind having become variable. Towards evening the 
breeze freshened, and enabled us to get considerably nearer to the 
island. Our latitude this day at noon was 20° 37" north, 157° 

26" west longitude. The whole of the Sandwich group in sight, 

14* 



158 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

except Tauai, or Atooi, which lies ninety-four miles to leeward of 
Oahu. Before dark, a sail hove in sight from the westward, the 
first and only vessel we have seen at sea for the last eight weeks, 
or since leaving Huahine." 



CHAPTER XI. 

Sandwich Islands — Oahu — anchor in the harbour of Honolulu — native meeting — letter from 
the governing chief of the Sandwich Islands — visit from the king — meeting at the mari- 
ner's chapel — distribution of tracts, &c. — native meeting — meeting at the chapel — visit of 
the governor of Hawaii — half-caste girls' school — meeting at the chapel — ^native marriages 
— native meeting — meeting at the chapel — native girls' school. 

26th of Twelfth month. " Plyed to and fro during the darkness 
to windward of the island, and at the earliest dawn of day bore 
up for Diamond Hill. At eleven o'clock', A. M., made the signal 
for a pilot, and hauled close in towards the opening of the reef 
under easy sail. As we neared the entrance, several boats were 
seen coming out. The first brought two or three of the resident 
traders, the second brought the pilot and some others, and in the 
third came the British and American consuls. The former bring- 
ing us a packet of letters containing tidings from our beloved 
family at Shoosharry, &c., though, as might be expected, all of old 
date, but new to us, and truly welcome, and afresh claiming a 
grateful tribute of thankfulness to Him whose tender mercies ex- 
tend to all his poor unworthy creatures, however widely separated. 
The wind, which at first was likely to prevent our getting in, now 
changed, and bore us quickly through the winding narrow channel 
at once, into the still harbour of Honolulu. The anchor was but 
just dropped, before Hiram Bingham, the senior missionary of the 
establishment at this place, came on board, who offered his ser- 
vices in whatever way we could accept them ; at the same time 
invited us to become his guests while here. We had on board a 
large packet of letters and parcels for him and his colleagues upon 
these islands. It appeared that information of our being at the 
Georgian Islands had long since reached this place, and as soon as 
our vessel came in sight, there was no doubt, from her strange and 
novel figure in these seas, but we were arrived : this was evidently 
the case, for the British consul, Richard Charlton, brought off* our 
letters without hesitation. 

" The natives here being much accustomed to see shipping, in 
general take but little notice of them, and seldom visit them ; but 
they soon swarmed upon our deck, attracted by the odd appear- 
ance of the 'Henry Freeling;' and we afterw^ards understood that 
they gave her the name of the * Mast-and-a-half.^ We now find it 



DANIEL WHEELER. 159 

needful to make an alteration in the day of the month and of the 
week, to accommodate the time in these islands. Yesterday was 
with us what is commonly called Christmas-day, the 25th instant ; 
but we find that to-day, (with us the 26th,) is here only the 25th, 
and the Christmas-day kept here. To prevent confusion, we pur- 
pose adopting the day considered the sabbath here, instead of our 
own, whilst we remain among the Sandwich Isles ; such an occur- 
rence is not Hkely to happen again, but the ship's log-book will still 
retain the dates and days as when we left England, and in it the 
change will never be observable. We remained on board to-day, 
to get things adjusted various ways. 

27th. " In the afternoon landed and made our way to Hiram 
Bingham's habitation, but not finding him at home, we called upon 
the British consul, who kindly accompanied us to obtain some ex- 
ercise on foot, it being forty-five days since we had had an oppor- 
tunity of walking more than a few paces at a time on the ' Free- 
ling's' deck. Returned to Hiram Bingham's about the time his 
return home was expected, and found him accordingly. Believing 
it safest for me not to miss an opportunity (if one could be obtain- 
ed) of seeing a body of the natives collected together to-morrow, 
(first-day,) at their own place of worship, I mentioned the matter 
to Hiram Bingham, who readily made way for my accommoda- 
tion, kindly offering his services to interpret if I wished to address 
the people. After partaking of an early tea with the family, we 
returned on board. Ten o'clock, P. M. mercifully supported to 
look forward towards to-morrow in humble confidence and hope 
of that help and strength which is almighty, and which has never 
yet failed to deliver me out of every trouble and distress. My 
trust is in the Lord, whose power is infinite, who alone can bless 
and cause his own w^orks to praise his ever great and adorable 
name. 

28th. {First-day.) " Repaired to Hiram Bingham's house by 
nine o'clock, A. M., he accompanied us to the native meeting. As 
the branch of the mission here consists of several families from 
America,* who understand the native language but in a small 
degree, and as some other white people attending the meeting are 
labouring under the same disadvantage, Hiram Bingham proposed 
that my certificates should be first read in English, and then to 
the people in the native tongue; and this plan afterwards appeared 
more eligible, when it was observed that other persons came into 
the meeting (probably induced by curiosity) who do not attend on 
other occasions, such as the foreign consuls and others from the 
town. The service performed here by the missionary somewhat 
differs from what we had seen among the Southern Islands. It 
commenced with a very short prayer, which we had previously 

* The missionaries stationed in the Sandwich Islands are exclusively from the American 
board of missions. 



160 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

been told was for a blessing on what was about to follow ; a por- 
tion of the Scriptures was then read, and afterwards a hymn was 
sung. When this was finished, the principal prayer (as before ex- 
plained to us) was offered at considerable length, and then another 
hymn was sung, after which the reading of my certificates com- 
menced. I had sat under a great weight of exercise, from a be- 
lief that I should have to stand up when the reading of them was 
gone through, and not without a humiliating feeling of weakness 
and fear at my own insufficiency. Not having for perhaps a year 
and a half heard my certificates read, except in the Polynesian 
language, I felt quite struck on hearing them in English, but I 
think the unity and sympathy of my dear brethren and sisters at 
home, never at any time felt so truly precious and strengthening 
to my bowed-down mind; and the expressions which they contain 
of my beloved family's concurrence with my leaving them, to at- 
tend to the call of apprehended duty, were so unexpectedly sound- 
ed in my ears, that the weakness of human nature could not be 
repressed, nor the tear of parental affection restrained. * Deep 
called unto deep ;' the waves and the billows passed over, leaving 
me in a state of nothingness and emptiness, but, perhaps, never 
more fit to declare of the goodness and mercy of my Lord, in the 
ability he was graciously pleased to bestow. When Hiram Bing- 
ham had finished reading and explaining my certificates to the 
people, I went and stood by his side, as ' a reed shaken with the 
wind.' A solemn silence now prevailed over us, until it was with 
me to say — It is more than probable that the greater part of the 
company now assembled never before heard of the existence of a 
Society under the denomination of Friends, (alluding to my cer- 
tificates,) but my beloved people, all such as love the Lord Jesus 
Christ and keep his commandments, are friends — friends univer- 
sally to God, friends to one another, and friends to all mankind. 
* Ye are my friends,' said Christ, ' if ye do whatsoever I command 
you.' All such are members of the same society the world over. 
Then, charging the people to endeavour to draw nigh unto God, 
that under the sanctifying influence of His power and life-giving 
presence, our meeting together might be rendered a blessing, I was 
largely opened to declare the everlasting truth amongst them, and 
to turn them to its light in their own hearts ; to the Holy Spirit of 
Him, who is ' the true light that lighteth every man that cometh 
into the world,' in whom only there is life, and who is the only 
way to God the Father, as declared by himself: — ' I am the way, 
the truth, and the life ; no man cometh to the Father but by me.' 
That a mere outward profession of religion would prove altogether 
unavailing to them : the great work of regeneration must be wit- 
nessed ; that to be members of the true church they must be re- 
deemed with judgment from sin and from transgression, and be 
converted unto God by the righteousness of Christ Jesus, believed 
in and submitted to through faith in the operation of the Spirit of 



DANIEL WHEELER. 161 

God, who raised Him from the dead, with whom also they must 
be raised from death unto life. That we cannot worship God in 
the manner He requires while we continue in sin and wickedness, 
for the prayers of the wicked are not heard; they cannot pray 
acceptably in that state; their sacrifice is an abomination. The 
true and living worshippers of the only true and living God are no 
longer dead in sins and trespasses ; they are redeemed from these 
by the Righteousness of Christ Jesus, who came to save his peo- 
ple from their sins, and never in them. That we must fear God, 
and in thought, word, and deed, give glory unto Him, before we 
can worship Him in spirit and in truth. For considerably more 
than an hour my heart was enlarged in the flowings of Gospel 
love, as a stream bearing down every thing before it. A more 
attentive audience can scarcely be conceived, than certain classes 
of this people, both natives and foreigners. The Lord's power had 
the dominion, and reigned pre-eminently until the breaking up of 
the meeting. Every class and variety of the people flocked round 
us, scarcely affording us an opportunity of speaking to the mem- 
bers of the missionary establishment. Some of the natives endea- 
voured to thank me through the medium of Hiram Bingham, but I 
requested him to refer such to the great Creator, and not to look 
at the creature. One said I had brought them a blessing. A num- 
ber of serious-looking women came round us, whose countenances 
bespoke that love was in their hearts. Troops of the dear child- 
ren gathered in their turn, and seemed delighted to find that they 
also might shake hands with the strangers : some of them would 
come again and again until they found their faces were recognized. 
We seemed to need more hands than we possessed, as frequent 
attempts would fail to shake hands with those that held theirs out 
to us, by others reaching forward and taking hold of ours before 
them, in quick succession. 

" Thus hath my gracious Lord been pleased to deal with a poor, 
unprofitable creature, but a living monument of his everlasting 
love and mercy, ahhough unworthy of being numbered among the 
least of his servants. Truly his judgments are a great deep ; but 
his love who can declare? It is unutterable, unfathomable, and un- 
bounded as his mercy, whose is the kingdom, and to whom all 
power and glory belong for ever. When we got into the open road, 
Hiram Bingham told us the bell was then ringing at the Mariners* 
Chapel, where the English and other foreigners meet, if I wished 
to go to it. I replied, that I believed I must go on board to my 
little family there. 

31st. "Engaged on board during the forepart of each day pre- 
paring despatches for England, and by the numerous callers to 
look at the vessel, and see the newly-arrived strangers. The gov- 
ernor of the fort, and some of the principal chiefs, with the gov- 
ernor of the island of Maui, were amongst them. In the afternoon 
took exercise on shore, and called upon some of the inhabitants, 



162 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

and engaged in writing till late at night. This evening spent some 
time with the seaman's chaplain, a young man appointed and sent 
out by the Seamen's Friend Society in America, to preach at the 
Mariners' Chapel. While together some interesting conversation 
took place on important subjects. 

1st of First month, 1836. "This morning a deputation of chiefs 
of the highest order came on board, bringing a letter, addressed to 
me, as follows : — 

^^ Honolulu, January 1st, 1836. 

" * As an expression of friendly regard of Kinau and her asso- 
ciate chiefs to Mr. Wheeler, the friendly visitant, they beg his ac- 
ceptance of a few supplies. They are the following : — five barrels 
of potatoes, five turkeys, five fowls, and one hog. 

Na * Kinau.' 

" Finding upon inquiry that to refuse this present would cre- 
ate much dissatisfaction, because entirely intended as a good-will 
oflfering, the following acknowledgment was written and returned: 

" Highly sensible of the kindness and hospitable intention of 
Kinau, the governing chief of the Sandwich Islands, and the con- 
stituted authorities of the same, I assure them of my Christian re- 
gard in the love of the everlasting Gospel, which has induced me 
to visit these isles afar off. 

" I feel and value this token of good-will, in their act of gene- 
rosity, and I do freely accept the supplies so gratuitously furnished. 

" With best desires for their present and eternal welfare, and 
that of every age and every class over whom they preside, I am 
her and their sincere friend, 

" Daniel Wheeler. 

"'Henry Freeling,' in the harbour of 
Honolulu, First month 1st, 1836. 

" To Kinau, the governing chief of the Sandwich Islands, &c. 

" Before the business was fully arranged, and the parties gone 
from the cabin, the young king Kauikeaouli arrived, with several 
of his principal attendants. He was escorted on board by the 
English consul, accompanied by two other foreigners. It appears 
that the king, although the lawful ruler of these islands, has de- 
livered up the executive power into the hands of Kinau, and takes 
no part whatever in the administration of public affairs. He is 
surrounded by a set of evil advisers, and there is every reason to 
apprehend, leads a very unsteady, dissipated life, but is said to 
possess good abilities and an amiable disposition : he talks some 
English and understands much of what is said. He examined 
every part of our vessel very minutely, and might possibly have 
gone to the mast-head, (as is a common thing with him,) but our 



DANIEL WHEELER. 163 

rigging being afresh tarred, deterred him from attempting it. An 
intelligent person, a native of Dundee, was on board at the time, 
though not one of the palace party. To this man I mentioned 
what I thought of the islanders, and as the king, who sat next 
him, appeared to listen attentively, I spoke freely and plainly on 
the impending ruin that awaited these islands, if the importation 
of spirits and the use of them was allowed to continue ; and with- 
out the private property of the poor inhabitants is respected and 
protected by wholesome laws, firmly executed without partiality. 
At present these people are groaning under an arbitrary feudal 
system, kept up with shameful and oppressive tyranny on the part 
of the chiefs. 

2nd. " In the evening called upon Hiram Bingham, and Richard 
Charlton. On our way to the habitation of the latter, accidentally 
met with the seaman's chaplain, who accompanied us thither. 
While together, I felt best satisfied to make inquiry as to the pro- 
bability of the inhabitants being willing to attend a religious meet- 
ing, held on a first-day evening ; and being assured that the for- 
eigners would come more freely in the evening than in the morning, 
I believed it best for me to agree that public notice should be given 
at the close of the morning meeting, that a meeting for worship 
after the manner of the Society of Friends, was intended to be 
held there in the evening of next first-day, at the usual hour of 
the place being open: the use of the Mariners' Chapel having been 
previously offered at any time I might be ready to accept it, with 
every assistance that could be suggested, as likely to facilitate my 
object. 

3d. " Having prepared a number of written notices of the in- 
tended public meeting, we landed and took measures for their cir- 
culation. Called at the reading-rooms, and looked into the chapel, 
wh-ich is over them. Captain Keen was employed to spread the 
information of the meeting both on shore and amongst the shipping 
in the harbour. ' The Lord of Hosts is my defence, the God of 
Jacob is my refuge, and my only hope.' 

5th. " Yesterday, as our people were left at their liberty to at- 
tend a place of worship on shore, Charles and myself sat down 
together in the forenoon : with the weight of the prospect before 
me of the appointed meeting to be held in the evening with the 
public, the quiet season we were favoured with was both refresh- 
ing and strengthening. We landed soon after dark to be in readi- 
ness for the time appointed, and repaired to the place of worship. 
The time no sooner arrived, than the people poured in from every 
direction, and soon filled nearly all the seats ; some more were 
provided, but many had to stand at the lower part of the house in 
a crowded manner. The novelty of a * Quaker's meeting,' and 
the first ever held on a Sandwich Island, might induce many to 
come out of curiosity, who at other times never think of attending 
a place of worship ; and it is probable, that the whole of the white 



164 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

residents were present, besides those who came from the shipping, 
and a considerable number of the natives and half-castes, with 
several of the highest authorities in the place ; so that the house 
was crowded, we were informed, as it had never been before. 

" Sitting in silence seemed perhaps to nearly all that were there, 
quite incomprehensible. The fore-part of the time was unsettled 
by many whispering and talking, and an individual or two not 
quite sober, were a little troublesome and annoying ; but I think I 
have witnessed in lands accounted civilized, a meeting, from one 
or other cause, quite as unsettled, though altogether free from 
those disadvantages under which this was labouring. Having sat 
a considerable time in silence after the meeting was fully gathered, 
it was with me to say, tliat as the disciples formerly were incapa- 
ble of feeding a hungry multitude, until the great Master had 
blessed and broken the bread, so it is at this day. Without him 
we can do nothing as it should be done ; and it is only when He 
is pleased to qualify any of his servants to proclaim his Truth, 
that the people can be availingly benefitted. ' Without me ye can 
do nothing,' was our Lord's declaration ; and true it is, for without 
Him we can do nothing, not even think a good thought, nor re- 
strain an evil one ; the spirit truly is willing, but the flesh is weak. 
That the Society of which I have the privilege of being a member, 
has always borne a faithful testimony to the excellency of waiting 
upon the Lord, as the all-sufficient and only great and true Teacher 
of his people. After recommending that we should endeavour to 
wait for the influence of the Holy Spirit to solemnize our minds to- 
gether, I sat down. The meeting became much more settled after 
this had taken place, though doubtless the patience of many would 
be tried before the silence was again broken. When the time was 
come, I stood up with these expressions : * I am no prophet, nor a 
prophet's son,' but in me you may behold a Uving monument of 
the Lord's everlasting mercy ; and although in my own estimation 
less than the least child that is alive in the truth, yet to me, .even 
unto me is this grace given, that I should declare unto others the 
unsearchable riches of Christ. I have no sinister motive in thus 
coming among you; the comprehensive principle of the Gospel, 
which would gather and embrace all mankind, enables me to call 
every country my country, and every man my brother. It is this 
that has induced me to leave a delightful home, and a numerous 
and endeared family, and everything beside which a mortal need 
possess, and more, to visit these ' isles afar ofl?";' well knowing, 
that he that loseth his life for Christ's sake and his Gospel, ' the 
same shall find it.' I have no new doctrine to preach; the way 
to the kingdom is the same that it ever was ; the foundation is the 
same, 'Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone;' * for other 
foundation can no man lay than is laid.' But although the founda- 
tion be from everlasting to everlasting, yet if the superstructure is 
not raised upon it, what will it avail ? It is, then, of the greatest 



ii 



DANIEL WHEELER. 165 

importance for each of us seriously to examine upon what we are 
really building our hope of salvation ; for a day of trial will come 
upon every man's work : the day will declare it, and the fire of 
the Lord will try of what sort it is, when nothing will stand and 
endure the trial, but what is built upon the same sure, immutable 
foundation, which the righteous in all ages and generations of the 
world have built upon ; even Christ Jesus the righteous, that tried 
corner-stone, elect of God, and precious indeed to them that be- 
lieve and obey his Gospel ; and blessed and happy are they, &c. 
I had largely to declare of the universahty of Divine grace, that 
none are left short of a measure of it : it hath appeared unto all 
men, and its teaching, if regarded, would bring salvation to all 
men. That * a manifestation of the Spirit,' which is no other than 
* the Spirit of grace,' is ' given to every man to profit withal.' . 
This precious gift was not limited to a few individual members of 
the church only, but extended to all men universally : first when 
our Holy Redeemer had suffered without the gates of Jerusalem 
on Calvary's mount, ' He ascended up on high, led captivity cap- 
tive, and received gifts for men ;' not for an elect, chosen few only, 
to the exclusion of others, but 'for the rebellious also, that the Lord 
God might dwell among them,' as by holy writ declared. So that 
every man hath ' a manifestation of the Spirit bestowed on him to 
profit withal,' however widely this Divine gift may be diversified 
in its operations, or its administrations may differ, it was obtained 
through the shedding of His blood, ' who died for us, and rose 
again,' — ' the just for the unjust, that he might bring us unto God.' 
All men have an opportunity of becoming members of the mysti- 
cal body of Christ, the true church, if but willing to turn to the 
Hght of the Holy Spirit of the Lord Jesus, that shineth in every 
heart ; * the true light, that hghteth every man that cometh into 
the world.' Although many may think themselves dwelling se- 
curely, and spending their precious time, days without number, in 
dissipation, folly, and utter forgetfulness of God; rejoicing as in 
the days of thoughtless youth, yet they will be overtaken at last, 
when least expecting it, in the midst of their sinful course, and 
brought under judgment. ' Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth : 
and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth ; and walk 
in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes ; but 
know thou, for all these things God will bring thee into judgment.' 
Ask the votaries of dissipation and folly, after a dark season of 
sinful pleasures, or rather of wretchedness, if they have not felt 
horror, remorse, shame, and fear, the certain and constant attend- 
ants upon guilt, and which are nothing less than the strivings of 
the Holy Spirit, discovering unto them their deeds of death and 
darkness ; and which, if attended to, would deliver them out of 
this miserable bondage of Satan, and lead them to the knowledge 
of the Holy Spirit of Him, who is the life and Hght of men. It is 
true that this hght would make manifest all their evil deeds ; it 

15 



166 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

would set their sins in order before their guilty minds, in tenderest 
mercy and redeeming love, that they might forsake them and re- 
pent, return unto God, and live. But, alas ! how many turn away 
from these faithful reproofs of instruction, and join in fresh scenes 
of vice and wickedness, or with large draughts of strong and poi- 
sonous drink, endeavour to smother and drown the voice of this 
heavenly witness against sin. But this light will search them out 
at last, although but for their condemnation. But to those who 
turn inward to it, and are willing to bring their deeds to its shin- 
ing, the exceeding sinfulness of sin will be discovered. That sor- 
row of heart will then be begotten, which never faileth to w^ork 
true and unfeigned * repentance toward God, and faith toward our 
Lord Jesus Christ.' It was the desire of my heart that all might 
be encouraged to repent, return, and Hve, by embracing the means 
so mercifully and amply provided for the salvation of all mankind, 
in wondrous love and compassion. So great was the solemnity 
that continued to be spread over us, that I had to call the attention 
of the people to witness it for themselves, as beyond the reach and 
power of man to produce. The Lord alone was exalted ; His own 
arm brought him the victory and the praise. 

8th. "Since the fifth instant, our time has been filled up in 
preparing letters for England, and in making a large selection of 
Friends' tracts, with several standard works, illustrating their prin- 
ciples, together with other writings of Friends, and numerous other 
tracts for depositing in the reading rooms, fitted up by the ' Sea- 
man's Friend' Society in America. Some of the tracts were for 
general distribution, the others to lend out for perusal ; a copy of 
each of the standard works to remain stationary at the rooms : the 
total number of the above 1099. There is a large field open for 
the circulation of publications amongst the shipping which touch 
here for supplies, &c. ; there are at present twelve sail in the har- 
bour. This morning furnished some Spaniards on board the ' Ras- 
selas,' (which sailed for China in the afternoon,) with two Testa- 
ments, two J. J. Gurney's Essay, two ditto Letters, two Wilber- 
force's Works in the Spanish language. Two English Testaments 
were given to two half-white girls, who had learnt to read in 
Enghsh. 

10th. " Yesterday, the weather wet and unsettled, remained on 
board through the day, getting letters ready to go by way of Bos- 
ton to England, an American ship being soon to sail for that port. 
I have several times throughout the week had to look towards the 
approaching ^r5/-c?fl?/, as if I might have again to go to the natives' 
place of worship, and, probably, hold another public meeting with 
the foreigners' in the evening at the Mariners' Chapel, but could 
not arrive at sufficient clearness, to warrant the necessary steps 
being taken to bring these things about, and yet did not feel easy 
to let such opportunities pass away without embracing them, as 
time is short, and once past can never be recalled. This after- 



DANIEL WHEELER. 167 

noon, it seemed best for me to go on shore to Hiram Bingham, and 
say, that if I should come to the native meeting in the morning, I 
would endeavour to be at his house in time : this matter, though in 
degree arranged, was still left open. It was afterwards agreed 
with the minister of the Mariners' Chapel, that if I should have to 
hold another meeting with the foreigners to-morrow evening, care 
would be taken to inform him in time, that public notice of it 
might be given, at the breaking up of the morning meeting at his 
place. Satisfied with the steps thus far taken, I returned on board 
before dark, leaving the following morning to decide the work of 
the day ; taking care to have a written notice ready, (of the in- 
tended public meeting to be held after the manner of the Society 
of Friends,) if the way should be clear to make use of it, but I was 
not satisfied that it should be forwarded, until after the native 
meeting was over, if I should have to be there. 

11th. {First-day,) " Awaking at an early hour with the pros- 
pect of the native meeting full before me, I made no hesitation 
about setting off to attend it. My Charles, who for some days past 
had had considerable irritation about his throat and lungs, was too 
unwell to accompany me, and it was rather a relief than otherwise 
that he was prevailed upon to remain quietly on board. On reach- 
ing Hiram Bingham's, I found him also unwell with a similar attack 
of cold, and unable to act the part of an interpreter for me, but he 
said, he had provided Doctor Judd, the physician to the mission, 
who had studied the language, and at one time was intended for an 
ordained preacher in the establishment. On this head I was satis- 
fied, if I should find occasion for an interpreter. A missionary 
from Hawaii, now here, was to supply the place of Hiram Bing- 
ham. When going into the meeting, I felt a poor creature indeed, 
now entirely companionless, and in the midst of strangers. I was 
bowed down before the Lord, who comforted and strengthened 
my heart, and I felt resigned and wilhng, and in degree prepared, 
when the first proper interval offered, to stand up. 

" I had not spoken to the stranger about to officiate for Hiram 
Bingham, previously to the meeting, but just at the time when he 
was about to commence his sermon, I got up, and with some diffi- 
culty waded through a dense body of the natives, who were seated or 
squatted so thickly on the floor in front of me, that I could scarcely 
avoid treading upon some of them. I took a station in front of the 
pulpit upon the ground floor, and Doctor Judd observing this move- 
ment came and stood beside me. We remained in silence, with 
the eyes of more than two thousand five hundred people fixed upon 
us, until my mouth was opened to declare the cause of my again 
standing before them, which was, that I might be found in the 
counsel of the Divine will, in order that the fulness of the blessing 
of the Gospel might be theirs ; that ' Christ might dwell in their 
hearts by faith ; that they being rooted and grounded in love, might 
be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and 



168 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

length, and depth, and height ; and to know the love of Christ, 
which passeth knowledge, that they might be filled with all the 
fulness of God.' That it was not to the high and the mighty that 
the Gospel message was sent formerly, neither is it now, but to the 
* poor in spirit' the Gospel was, and is still preached, and blessed 
are they. ' Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom 
of heaven:' it is these that shall be satisfied with favour : they shall 
be filled with good things, but the rich and the full are sent empty 
away. For upw^ards of an hour I had to declare the glad tidings 
of the glorious Gospel among them : the people were very solid and 
attentive, and they were encouraged ' to press towards the mark 
for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.' The Lord's 
love flowed richly in my heart towards these people. The meeting 
was unusually large, owing, perhaps, to the governors of three 
distant islands being there, viz. Owhyee, or Hawaii,. Maui, and 
Atooi, or Tauai. A number of strangers came about me when the 
meeting separated, arid Kuakini, the governor of Hawaii, (well 
known by the name of John Adams,) who speaks tolerable Eng- 
lish, wanted to know when I should come to his island. I could 
only say that I was not my own master, but it was not improbable 
but I should visit Owhyee before leaving the group, &c. I got ofi:' 
from them as soon as I could with propriety, as the way seemed 
now fully open before me to appoint a public meeting for the whites, 
and half-castes, to be held at the Mariners' Chapel in the evening. 
" Repaired to the shore before dark, in time to be in readiness 
for the meeting, but the approach of a storm, (the thunder and 
lightning having commenced,) it is probable prevented some from 
being there, as it was not so large as the one held the preceding 
week, but not the less comfortable on that account. After sitting 
long in silence, I had to express a desire which had quickened 
upon my mind shortly after taking my seat, that it might not be 
said of us as of a people formerly, ' This people draweth nigh unto 
me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips, but their 
heart is far from me ;' and of expressing the necessity of drawing 
nigh and waiting upon the Lord, and of persevering to wrestle for 
that spiritual blessing, which makes truly rich, and where unto no 
sorrow is added : we again dropped into silence, during which, 
only one person went out. In a short time afterwards, I stood up 
with those expressions of the apostle, ' We through the Spirit wait 
for the hope of righteousness by faith,' by which we are justified, 
and have peace with God the Father, through the Son, our Lord 
and Saviour Jesus Christ ; even that peace, which the world with 
all its delusions cannot give, and blessed be the name of the Lord, 
of Israel's God, neither can it take one particle of it away: setting 
forth the exceeding blessedness of those, who have not seen, and 
yet have believed in the only begotten Son of God, whom, having 
not seen they love, in whom, though now they see him not, yet 
believing, they rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory. I 



DANIEL WHEELER. 

had largely to speak of the beauty of true spiritual worship, and 
also of the life and immortality which are brought to light by the 
Gospel; and of the possibihty of the day of visitation passing over 
unheeded, and the things which belong to the soul's eternal peace 
being for ever hidden from our eyes, for want of walking in the 
light of the Lord Jesus. It was a solemn, comfortable meeting, 
yielding peace. When it broke up the rain fell in torrents, and 
the streets, in some places, were literally running in sheets of wa- 
ter : but for the friendly assistance of a stranger, who procured a 
lantern, we could not easily have found our way to the sea-side, 
so dark was the night. The rain fell in such quantities, that the 
water was about our feet in the boat, although she had been once 
emptied out after leaving the vessel. The captain only was with 
me, and I was thankful that my Charles did not venture on shore 
that night. ' The Lord is our help and our shield.' 

12th. "In the morning, a native teacher called on board, named 
Tootee, after Captain Cook, (intended for Cookee.) This man 
was born at Huahine, .and with another teacher since deceased, 
was sent to these islands several years ago : there was something 
agreeable about him, and we find that he is well spoken of by those 
who know him. 

13th. "This forenoon, Kuakini, the governor of the island of 
Hawaii, came on board ; he was proceeding homeward in his own 
schooner, but having to convey the princess Harrietta Nahienaena, 
the king's sister, to the island of Maui, was detained until her ar- 
rival on board his vessel, which was standing off and on while he 
paid us a visit during the interval, to invite us to the shores of 
Hawaii. We had a good opportunity to show him what must in- 
evitably be the dreadful result, if measures are not speedily taken 
to check the desolating scourge of rum, with which the American 
ships are deluging these much-to-be-pitied islanders. He is an in- 
telligent person, and speaks very fair Enghsh, considering it has 
been acquired in no other school than frequent intercourse with 
foreigners, which compose the crews of the British and American 
whaling vessels. He said that the use of rum was prohibited at 
Hawaii among the natives, and that it was only in the hands of 
foreigners. We told him that the foreigners would be the certain 
ruin of these islands, if the government did not lay such a tax 
upon all spirit dealers, as would place this curse of the human 
race beyond the reach of the natives to purchase, and render it 
not worth any person's while to continue the sale of it. They 
have tried, he said, to abolish it here, (Oahu,) but could not do it ; 
adding, 'the king is fond of it ;'• intimating, that the princess not 
being ready this morning was owing to the king's being intoxi- 
cated last night. He said, ' the merchants here (who are all Ame- 
ricans) take good care to supply the king with money, and every 
other thing that he wants : by this plan they have him so com- 
pletely in their hands, as to succeed in persuading him that it is to 

15* 



170 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

the interest of the islands to allow the free use of spirits.' Kuakini 
is about the largest man we have met with, but seems to possess 
very little bodily strength in proportion to his ponderous bulk, and 
has very Uttle use of his limbs. He is forty-five years of age. He 
could not climb up our little vessel's side without the assistance of 
two men, and a descent into our cabin was quite a serious fatigue: 
the passage down was certainly not sufficiently wide to allow his 
making use of his unwieldy legs and arms. He told us his sight 
was failing, asking for a pair of spectacles, which were immedi- 
ately handed to him : although very rough coarse articles and rusty 
from the dampness of the vessel, yet he seemed glad to have them. 
He would have stopped while some fish was prepared, but the ar- 
rival of his passenger summoned him away as quickly as he was 
capable of moving. 

"Yesterday, arrived the < Thetis' schooner, from Ascension Island. 
This vessel has had a mutiny on board : her captain, and several 
of the crew, were murdered by one man in the night, a Bengalee, 
who himself sprung overboard at last, and was shot by one of 
the surviving sailors. They suffered much from the natives, or 
rather from the runaway sailors, at Strong's Island, one of the 
Pescadores. 

14th. "In the evening, met with an interesting young Spaniard 
and his sister, the wife of an English merchant of California. This 
young man had been in the United States, and spoke good English, 
but his sister knew only the Spanish language. In the course of 
conversation, I mentioned having some books on board in Spanish, 
and proposed to furnish some of them, at which they seemed grate- 
ful, and gladly accepted the offer. 

17th. " Yesterday visited the school for half-white girls, it being 
the anniversary of its establishment three years ago. To teach 
this class of children is a laudable undertaking, and highly needful 
on their behalf. These children are of a description calculated to 
do either much good or much harm upon these islands, from their 
knowledge of the native language, derived from the mother's side: 
this, in conjunction with a moral education, would tend to assist in 
the civilization of the people at large ; at the same time there is 
much reason to fear their assuming a superiority over the natives, 
from their nearness of kin to Europeans or Americans from whom 
they have sprung. Although little to be proud of on this account, 
yet it mostly happens that they abound in pride and haughtiness ; 
and the fathers of such being for the most part runaway sailors, 
rum-sellers, or other profligate characters, their offspring, from 
earliest age are accustomed to scenes of vice and wickedness, not 
likely to be shaken off as they grow up, but rather to operate as 
highly injurious to the natives around them, by their unrestrained, 
immoral, and base conduct and example. But not the least diffi- 
culty to be surmounted, is that of finding suitable employment to 
keep them out of mischief, having been trained in habits of sloth 



DANIEL WHEELER. 171 

and idleness, and ignorance of every domestic and useful occupa- 
tion whatever. We have had a visit from the surgeon of the Bri- 
tish whaler 'Corsair,' lately arrived from Ascension Isle, in the 
* Thetis' schooner. The ' Corsair' was lost upon the Nautilus 
Reef, near Drummond's Island, one of the Kingsmill group. This 
young man, with five seamen, were saved in a whale-boat : after 
enduring great hardship for want of food, they were favoured at 
last to reach the isle of Ascension, in the North Pacific. The 
' Corsair' was fitting out in the West India dock, at the time the 
' Henry Freeling' was equipping in the City Canal, in 1833. 

18th. {First-day.) " Having no engagement on shore, the day 
was spent on board with our own people. In the afternoon, two 
seamen from the ' Gannymede,' of London, on her way to the Hud- 
son's Bay Company's settlement on the Columbia River, (north- 
west coast of America,) attended with our men. I had a few 
words to utter in testimony to the light of Christ Jesus, which 
shines in every heart ; and the necessity of bringing our thoughts, 
words, and actions to it. Before leaving our vessel, these men 
were furnished with tracts of different kinds. 

24th. " In the course of the week, a prospect of holding ano- 
ther public meeting with the foreigners and half-whites in the Ma- 
riners' Chapel, has at intervals crossed my mind ; and yesterday 
afternoon, accidentally meeting with the missionary from the Co- 
lumbia River, (at present here on a visit,) who occasionally offici- 
ates as pastor, he asked me, in plain terms, if I would occupy the 
Mariners' Chapel next first-day, either in the morning, afternoon, 
or evening. I told him that I had thought a little about it, but it 
seemed to pass away at the moment and nothing was fixed, al- 
though I was not quite clear of the subject. To-day it seemed 
best for me to see this young man again, and to tell him, if right for 
me to do so, I would send him a written notice to be read at the 
close of the morning meeting, which would serve as an invitation 
to all present to attend a meeting in the evening, held according to 
the practice of Friends. 

26th. " On seventh-day evening, having prepared written no- 
tices of the intended meeting before mentioned, in readiness for 
distribution on first-day morning, and finding freedom to circulate 
them when the day opened. Captain Keen was commissioned to 
do the needful, in order to spread the information that a meeting 
for worship would be held in the evening, after the usual manner 
of our Society. In the course of the day our crew assembled for 
devotional purposes. The weight of the prospect spread upon my 
mind, was as a heavy burden through the day, raising in me strong 
cries to Him from whom only cometh help and strength, for ability 
to do His will, and to exalt his ever great and excellent name. We 
repaired in time to the shore, and were the first that took seats in 
the meeting. The people gathered slowly, but with quietness, and 
the number was probably as large as at any time previous. After 



172 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

a considerable time of silence, beyond all expectation solid, I had 
to supplicate Him who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light, 
that every thing in us that stood opposed to his righteous principle 
of light, hfe, and love, might be shaken and removed out of the 
way ; that that only which cannot be shaken may remain to the 
exaltation of His own great name, and the establishment of the 
kingdom of Christ Jesus, which shall never have an end. After- 
wards the people sat as if accustomed to silence. The first ex- 
pressions with which the silence was broken were. As no man can 
save his brother, or give to God a ransom for his soul ; so no man 
for another can perform the solemn act of worshipping the Al- 
mighty Creator. If I was to speak to you, said I, or read to you 
for an hour, it would only be an act between a man and his fel- 
low-creatures, and not worship; for worship can only be perform- 
ed between a man and his Maker, who is a Spirit. ' God is a 
Spirit : and they that worship Him must worship Him in Spirit 
and in truth.' ' The Father seeketh such to worship Him,' we are 
told by the Son, who is ' the way, the truth, and the life ;' and no 
man cometh to the Father but by the Son. ' Without me ye can 
do nothing,' He himself declared. ' Our fathers worshipped in 
this mountain ;' said the woman of Samaria to our condescending 
Lord, 'and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought 
to worship. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour 
cometh, when ye shall neither in this ^mountain, nor yet at Jerusa- 
lem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we 
know what we worship : for salvation is of the Jews. But the 
hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall 
worship the Father in Spirit and in truth ; for the Father seek- 
eth such to worship Him.' This is the will of the Father, 
that we should hear his beloved Son, Christ Jesus — ' I am the 
light of the world,' said He, 'he that followeth me shall not 
walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. In him was 
life, and the hfe was the light of men ; and the light shineth in 
darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not.' The same 
eternal power who said, ' Let there be light, and there was light :' 
even God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath 
shined in our hearts, to give us the light of the knowledge of his 
own glory, in the face of Christ Jesus. It is to this light that all 
men must be turned, and to which all men must come if they are 
saved. This is the condemnation, that light is come into the 
world, and men are not willing to believe in it, because it makes 
manifest their dark and sinful state: they love darkness rather than 
light, because their deeds are evil. ' For every one that doeth evil 
hateth the light, neither cometh to it, lest his deeds should be re- 
proved.' Such continue under the power of Satan ; ' but he that 
doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made mani- 
fest, that they are wrought in God ;' he is turned from darkness to 
light, and from the power of Satan unto God : — he receiveth for- 



DANIEL WHEELER. 173 

giveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified 
by faith which is in Christ Jesus, the life and light of men. — The 
people were very attentive, and such a solemn stillness prevailed 
the greatest part of the time, that if they could not have been seen 
upon their seats, it would have been difficult to ascertain whether 
any persons were present. It was the Lord's doing, and as is His 
name, so is His praise for ever. 

27th. " Yesterday had a satisfactory visit from the Canadian 
missionary stationed on the Columbian river, north-west coast of 
America. He was desirous of information respecting the princi- 
ples of our religious Society, and of possessing a Book of Extracts ; 
from having only one on board the ' Henry Freeling' of the new 
edition, a copy of the old edition was given him, and a copy of 
* Bates' Doctrines,' &c. I look forward to furnishing him with 
some rehgious tracts, which may be useful to the North American 
Indians, amongst whom a mission is estabhshed, although the result 
is hopeless indeed, as these poor people are too often paid in rum 
by the trading vessels, both American and British, for their beaver 
skins, &c., which, with other causes, is fast sweeping from the face 
of the earth this injured race of mankind. Muskets and gunpow- 
der are among the principal articles of barter goods taken to them. 

" This afternoon I received a letter from the senior missionary 
here, of which the following extract is part, addressed to myself, 
and dated this day : — 

" ' I am happy to inform you that to-day we commence a series 
of meetings with the people for their spiritual benefit. The hours 
of service for five days will be sun-rise, ten o'clock, A. M., two 
o'clock, P. M., four o'clock, P. M., in the natives' chapel, and a 
meeting at one of our houses at half-past seven o'clock, P. M. 
Probably, there w411 be some hundreds of the people more than 
usual present, possibly a thousand : perhaps our chapel will be fill- 
ed : several of my brethren will be present from the other stations 
on this island. If you will favour us with your assistance to- 
morrow at ten, or at four o'clock, I will gladly interpret for you. 
Providence permitting. Shall be happy to see you and your son 
at any of our meetings — the field is white.' 

■ " I called the same evening at the writer's house ; and having 
considered the subject, acknowledged the receipt of his letter, and 
told him that I had felt nothing upon my mind towards the meet- 
ings to-morrow, which he had mentioned. All that seemed safe 
for me to say was, that I had a desire to be present when the 
largest body of the people were collected together. It appeared to 
me that the forenoon of the following first-day would be the right 
time for me to be there, which was at last fully agreed upon. 
Whilst at this house, five marriages were solemnized at sevea 
o'clock, P. M., in the room where we sat. This ceremony to four 
couple was performed in the native language, and in English to 



174 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

the fifth, the man being an American negro. 1546 marriages 
have taken place upon these islands within the last year. It is 
hoped that the institution of regular marriage will be of use to this 
people, but it is greatly to be feared, from what the missionary 
himself said, that their solemn vows and promises are soon for- 
gotten. 

30th. " On fifth-day our meeting was held as usual. Yester- 
day employed in selecting various books and lessons for the use of 
schools. For the last two or three days, the prospect before me 
of attending the native meeting has been more formidable than 
usual, from the apprehension, lest I should be found running, if not 
altogether unsent, without an evidence sufficiently strong, that it 
is my duty to be there. I have endeavoured to keep close to the 
exercise, though in much conflict of mind. 

31st. {First-day.) "Had an almost sleepless night, but to- 
wards morning the way seemed to open with relieving clearness 
for me to attend the native meeting: landed in due time, and called 
upon the missionary, who accompanied us to the meeting. When 
on the way, Hiram Bingham asked whether I would prefer speak- 
ing to the people before the service began, or after it was over. 
This question was so unexpected, that I replied without proper 
consideration, that I had rather wait, I meant in silence before the 
Lord, but he supposed until their service was gone through, and of 
course matters went on in their usual way. I felt regret after- 
wards that I had not more fully entered into explanation at the 
moment. It was afterwards proposed by Hiram Bingham that I 
should go into the pulpit with himself and another missionary, say- 
ing, that the crowd would be so great that he should not be heard 
if he interpreted from the floor. This proposal was declined at 
first, but on getting into the place I was convinced that if I did 
not go then, it would scarcely be possible to do it afterwards should 
it be needful, as the floor was already almost a solid mass of peo- 
ple; so we proceeded accordingly without delay. I sat as one 
who had the sentence of death in himself, and felt so much sunk 
and depressed, that at one time I thought of telling Hiram Bing- 
ham that I did not expect to have any thing to say to the people, 
but was withheld from doing so. In addition to their usual ser- 
vices on these occasions, a child was baptized, and it seemed long 
before all was finished, and general silence prevailed. After a 
short interval I stood up, when Hiram Bingham exhorted the peo- 
ple to stillness. I remarked on taking up the time of the meeting, 
which had already sat long, but that I was induced to stand before 
them once more to communicate whatever might be given me on 
the occasion. The attention of the people seemed now fully ar- 
rested, and after a solemn pause it was with me to express the 
encouraging language of the Lord's prophet, ^ Arise, shine ; thy 
light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. For 
behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the 



DANIEL WHEELER. 175 

people : but the Lord shall arise upon thee and his glory shall be 
seen upon thee.' Thus was announced, by holy inspiration, the 
light of that glorious Gospel morning, then preparing to dawn upon 
the benighted regions of the earth ; to dispel the mists of darkness 
from the mind of man, that sin should no longer have dominion 
over the human race, but that mercy and truth should meet to- 
gether, and love, and joy, and peace through righteousness, should 
prevail from the river to the uttermost parts of the earth : that as 
sin hath reigned unto death, so now might grace reign, through 
righteousness, unto eternal life, by Jesus Christ om* Lord. When 
anger, hatred, malice, and revenge, with all the malignant passions 
which corrode and agitate, and agonize the human breast, shall be 
subdued and brought under the benign influence of the power of 
the Holy Spirit of the Lord Jesus, and the knowledge of the only 
true God and Jesus Christ whom he hath sent, even eternal life, 
* shall abound, and cover the earthly nature in every heart, as 
waters cover the sea.' There is no other way by which mankind 
can participate in the life and immortality that are brought to light 
by the Gospel, than that of believing in Christ Jesus, and turning 
to the light of his Holy Spirit, which shineth in every heart. I 
was sure that these beloved people (telling them so) were no 
strangers to the name of Christ. But that the bare name is not 
enough : I wanted them to become acquainted with His power, to 
save them from their sins : without this He would be no Saviour of 
theirs. I felt persuaded that some among them did believe in 
Christ, and if they believe in him, they at once believe in this light: 
their * light is come,' for He is ' the light of the world,' and those 
who believe in Him and follow Him, no longer walk in darkness, 
but have the light of life ; they not only have the promise of the 
life that now is, but of that which is to come. 

, " The number of people present was computed at four thousand 
and upwards, and being placed above them, the heat was almost 
insupportable; they stood in crowds outside of the six double doors, 
and about a window that was open at the back of the pulpit. The 
building is one hundred and ninety-six feet long, and sixty-eight 
feet wide, and was, to all appearance, as full as the people could 
pack together. The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to ever- 
lasting, and his truth to all generations of them that fear and love 
Him. We sat a few minutes with Hiram Bingham's family after 
the meeting concluded, and then returned on board to our own 
crew, who were assembled in the cabin in the afternoon. 

13th of Second month. "Not able to take any exercise on 
shore since last second-day, until yesterday evening, on account of 
the extreme wetness of the weather, it being the rainy season in 
this region. In the course of our walk called upon one of the mis- 
sionaries for the translation of an article relative to the arrival of 
the * Henry Freehng' at Oahu, that had appeared in the Hawaiian 
Teacher, a semi-monthly periodical, printed at the mission press. 



176 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

and edited by a regularly ordained minister. When coming away, 
without any previous hint on my part, he kindly proposed that I 
should have the Mariners' Chapel to-morrow, {first-day,) either in 
the forenoon or evening, or both. I parted from him with saying, 
I should turn the matter over and let him know, that timely notice 
might be given if the meeting was of my appointing, so that the 
people might be fully aware of its being held according to the es- 
tabhshed practice of Friends, but I thought it well to wait a further 
time before giving a decided answer, lest it should not come to 
pass, although the prospect had been again and again before me 
early and late, at intervals, since I first got sight of it. 

"This morning, being seventh-day, it seemed best for me to 
move forward by having notices prepared, that information might 
be well spread in good time, both on the shore and on board of 
the shipping in the port of Honolulu. While these were preparing, 
I went on shore to the missionary, and told him that I believed it 
safest for me to hold a meeting to-morrow in the fore-noon ; the 
way was now thoroughly cleared before the distribution of the 
notices, and I endeavoured to dwell under the weight of the re- 
sponsibility of this important engagement, which seemed fastened 
upon me as a knot not easily untied. My mind is often turned to 
the Lord with secret cries for help : greatly do I desire that the 
noble cause of Truth may not be tarnished in my hands, but that 
His ever great and adorable name may be exalted, and the people 
turned to the power of the Holy Spirit of the Lord Jesus — the 
creature laid low and kept in dependence on Him alone, that the 
work and the praise may be His, unto whom the kingdom, and the 
power, and the glory for ever belong. In the afternoon spent some 
time with the manager of the book-binding department of the Ame- 
rican printing estabHshment : his wife superintends a school of the 
native children, and with her husband appears to move in much 
plainness and simplicity. 

15th. "After a restless night, landed in good time yesterday 
morning in readiness for the appointed meeting, which was well 
attended by the residents and strangers from the shipping. After 
a time of silence, it was with me to revive among them the Divine 
command, * Be still, and know that I am God,' and that this com- 
mand must be obeyed before we can come to the blessed know- 
ledge of the only true God, and his Son Jesus Christ, whom to 
know is life eternal : desiring that we might humble ourselves be- 
fore Him, and in the silence of all flesh ' be still :' peradventure 
He would graciously condescend to overshadow us with his heav- 
enly presence. After recommending that we should endeavour to 
settle down in stillness of mind before the God of the spirits of all 
flesh, I again resumed my seat. A comforting solemnity soon 
spread over us, under the precious covering of which we sat until 
the time was come for my standing up again, when it seemed in- 
creasingly to prevail. I reminded them of the expressions of those 



DANIEL WHEELER. 177 

formerly who were struck with the display of the Divine power 
of the Saviour of the world when personally upon earth, * What 
manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him? 
and that the solemnity then so evident was not at our command, 
but came from Him, unto whom all power in heaven and earth is 
given. Man cannot cause it: hath he commanded the morning 
since his days, or caused the day-spring to know his place? Nay, 
verily, no more than the leopard can change his spots, and the 
Ethiopian his skin ; — it is in the power of Him only who ' de- 
clareth unto man what is his thought,' to do this. We must all 
pass through the great work of regeneration before the kingdom 
can be entered ; it is wrought in the heart through the faith of the 
operation of God, who raised from the dead our Lord Jesus, that 
great Shepherd of the sheep, by whom, and with whom we must 
also rise from death unto life. But before we can rise with Him, 
we must be willing to suffer with Him, we must know what it is 
to be crucified with Him. How is He at this day pressed down 
as a cart laden with sheaves ! How is he forgotten and neglected, 
under the weight of earthly cares and transitory pleasures, and 
amidst the ' lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of 
life,' totally disregarded and set at naught. But these things, which 
war against the soul, must be removed before we can know and 
be admitted into the fellowship of His sufferings, and witness the 
power of his resurrection, before we can adopt for ourselves, from 
heart-felt Hving knowledge and experience, the apostohc language 
of ' I am crucified with Christ ; nevertheless I live, yet not I, but 
Christ liveth in me : and the life which I now live in the flesh, I 
live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave him- 
self for me.' There is no obtaining and wearing the crown, but 
by the way of the cross ; we must be willing to sufl?er with our 
suflTering Lord, and it is only such as suffer with him that shall reign 
with Him in glory. We must be willing to bring our deeds to the 
light of the Holy Spirit of the Lord Jesus, which shineth in every 
heart, and to bear the indignation of the Lord, because we have 
sinned against him: to sit alone and keep silence, ashamed and 
confounded, as in the dust, because of the reproach of our youth ; 
and it is only while we have the light that we can thus bring our 
deeds to it, and walk in it. He that walketh in darkness knoweth 
not whither he goeth: and if by neglect and disobedience the light 
in us be darkness, how great is that darkness ! we may sin out the 
day of our visitation ; then the candle of the Lord is withdrawn, 
or put out ; for He hath declared, * My Spirit shall not always 
strive with man.' These visitations are the merciful tokens of the 
Father's love to draw man to the Holy Spirit of His beloved Son 
in the heart, * the life and light of men ;' unto whom, although 
shining in all, none of us can come in our own will and strength, 
or by any inherent righteousness of our own. * No man cometh 
unto me,' said Christ, * except my Father which hath sent me draw 

16 



178 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

him, and I will raise him up at the last day.' As no man cometh 
to the Son but by the Father, so no man cometh to the Father but 
by the Son ; according to his word, < No man cometh to the Father 
but by me.' By grace are we saved, and that not of ourselves, it 
is all through the boundless mercy and everlasting love of God in 
Jesus Christ, by whose grace we are saved : the same which hath 
appeared unto all men, which bringeth salvation unto all men that 
are willing to ' believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and be saved.' 
After this manner was I strengthened to declare that loving-kind- 
ness which is better than life, and to testify of that grace, which 
comes by Jesus Christ. The meeting held longer than usual, but 
ended well. I trust the Lord magnified his own power in the 
hearts of some, who is blessed and worthy, and God over all for 
ever. The missionary families were most of them present on the 
occasion. 

16th. " Yesterday, while on shore, visited the school for native 
girls, under the superintendence of a missionary's wife ; which is, 
for good order and general quietness, the best conducted estab- 
lishment of the kind we have yet seen. For some time after the 
formation of this school, the children could not be prevailed upon 
to go forward with the regular duties, without an adopted child 
of the queen's led the way, and had the preference shown to her. 
When ordered to break up at noon, or in the afternoon, they 
would all retain their seats ; and when the reason was asked for 
this behaviour, would say, 'Let the queen go first,' although a 
mere shrimp in size compared with many of the other children, 
and not more than six years old. The school-mistress has taken 
much pains to abolish such an unnecessary and invidious dis- 
tinction, and has not hesitated to punish this child when in fault, 
like the other children, without showing any partiality, because of 
her patronage. For a time this gave great offence, but by firm- 
ness and steady perseverance the difficulty was at last completely 
surmounted. Most of the children have now got the better of 
yielding such undue servility, although it is said that some of the 
timid still consider that this child's word is law. 



CHAPTER XII. 



Interview with the queen — public meeting — publications of the mission press — half-caste 
boys' school — address to the rulers of the Sandwich Islands — visit from the mission fami- 
lies — meeting at the chapel — an infidel ship's company — appointed meeting — departure 
from Honolulu — Hawaii — anchor in Kalakakua bay — native visitors— public meeting — 
interesting opportunity with the mission family — proceed to Kailua — relics of idolatry — na- 
tive meetings — visit of the king — leave for Waimea mission station. 

17th of Second month. " This evening repaired to Hiram Bing- 
ham's by appointment to meet Kinau, the reigning chiefess, or 
queen. Her husband Kekuanoa was there, and^Kanaina, another 



DANIEL WHEELER. 179 

principal chief and his wife, a woman of higher rank than Kinau 
on her father's side. It proved an interesting season ; they were 
desirous of being instructed in the best manner how to govern the 
islands, and benefit the people. I told them, there is but one way 
to effect this, and that is upon the principles of the Gospel ; nothing 
else will stand. Kinau has long been desirous of prohibiting the 
importation and use of ardent spirits altogether, and requested some 
advice upon this head. It would require caution, I said ; but that 
the first step would be to stop all further importation ; and that 
they themselves had better become purchasers of the stock on hand, 
and empty the rum into the river, than that the people should be 
destroyed by its effects; the dealers would then have no cause to 
complain: that best wisdom should be sought for to direct, and 
that all these things should be conducted throughout in a Christian 
spirit. It is high time something was done to remove this evil 
from amongst the people. They expressed satisfaction with the 
interview, and suggested that we should meet again for the further 
consideration of this important subject, viz. the best manner of go- 
verning the islands and benefitting the people. Both these females 
are tall, portly women, of shrewd understanding, and have a gen- 
tleness in their demeanour not usually possessed by others of the 
same rank, though on first appearing they assume much reserved- 
ness and austerity. 

18th. " Some time back my mind was attracted towards pre- 
paring something like an address to be left with those in authority, 
that bear rule over the inhabitants of these islands, which might 
serve to remind them at a future day that I had not omitted to 
warn them of those evils, which, if suffered to continue, will 
undermine every effort to improve their condition, both civil and 
religious. The conversation which took place last evening seems 
to have opened the way for something further, and confirmed me 
in believing myself required, as ability may be aflforded, to draw 
up and leave some written document for the clearance of myself 
towards them. 

20th. " Before retiring to rest, I began to feel a little towards 
the evening meeting at the Mariners' Chapel to-morrow, and the 
love of the Gospel flowed in my heart so encouragingly, that a 
willingness was at once begotten, to give up to a meeting being 
appointed on my account. 

21st. {First-day.) " This morning I received a note written 
at seven o'clock A. M. from the American preacher, oflfering his 
place of worship for an evening meeting. On solidly considering 
the subject, I believe, with an honest desire to do the will of my 
gracious Master, I did not feel easy to let the opportunity pass 
away without availing myself of it; and therefore, in due time 
sent written information, in order to insure its being held as a 
Friends' meeting. In the course of the day our sailors were as- 
sembled twice for devotional purposes, and in the evening they 



180 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

attended the public meeting appointed to be held at a quarter past 
seven o'clock, an hour best adapted to the climate and the people. 
The meeting was larger than looked for, (the weather being show- 
ery,) a number of strangers were present, who had arrived two 
days previous, in a ship from Boston, the most seriously inclined 
part of the residents, several branches of the missionary establish- 
ment, with an increased number of sailors, and many of the island- 
ers. We sat long in silence, but under a feeling solemn beyond 
expression, which chained down opposing spirits. 

" When the time came for me to stand up, I had to contrast the 
difference between the worship of Almighty God under the Jewish 
dispensation in the outward temple, with that of the Gospel in the 
inner temple of the heart, which is altogether spiritual, because 
* God is a spirit, and they that worship him must worship him in 
spirit and in truth.' How can we so expressively manifest our fear 
and love in approaching the presence of infinite purity, as in so- 
lemn, awful silence, in humble watchfulness of mind, endeavouring 
to detect and suppress every creaturely desire T Words are inade- 
quate, and not essential in the performance of worship to Him who 
is a Spirit, for his Holy Spirit searcheth all things ; the most 
hidden and secret thought is known to this all-penetrating, all- 
searching power ; no offering is acceptable to Him, but what he 
himself prepares, for ' the preparation of the heart in man, and the 
answer of the tongue, is of the Lord ;' and the entire prostration of 
the will of the creature, under the preparing, sanctifying influence 
of his Almighty power, constitutes the pure, unadulterated offering, 
which, free from human contrivance and performance, rises a spi- 
ritual sacrifice, rendered acceptable to God, through the Holy Spirit 
of the Lord Jesus Christ in the heart, the great and everlasting 
High-priest of our profession. The people were called upon to 
behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon his 
creature man, that we should become his sons : for who can com- 
prehend the greatness of that love, wherewith ' God so loved the 
world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believ- 
eth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.' Who can 
contemplate the fulness and extent of love like this, and not feel a 
grateful tribute to arise of ' thanks be unto God for his unspeakable 
gift !' My soul longeth that all mankind may become acquainted 
with the preciousness of this costly gift. It is the same and no 
other than that of which the blessed Saviour testified in that memo- 
rable and instructive conference with the Samaritan woman, when 
He condescended to answer her question of, ' How is it that thou, 
being a Jew, askest drink of me, who am a woman of Samaria V 
for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans. 'If thou 
knewest the gift of God,' our Lord replied, ' and who it is that 
saith unto thee. Give me to drink ; thou wouldst have asked of 
Him, and he would have given thee living water.' * The woman 
saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well 



DANIEL WHEELER. 181 

is deep ; from whence then hast thou this Hving water 1 Art thou 
greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well, and drank 
thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle ? Jesus answered 
and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst 
again ; but whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him 
shall never thirst, but the water that I shall give him shall be in 
him a well of water springing up into everlasting life/ The poor 
woman perceiving the great advantage of possessing water, of 
which * he that drinketh shall never thirst,' said, * Sir, give me this 
water that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.' Her expecta- 
tion thus raised, and her understanding opened more and more to 
discern, from what followed, that she had met with One, from 
whom nothing was hidden, and that knew all that was in her 
heart, and perceiving that He was a prophet, and by inquiry 
having elicited for the lasting benefit of all mankind, the declara- 
tion, that ' the hour was come, that the true worshippers shall wor- 
ship the Father in spirit and in truth ;' confounded and self-con- 
victed, she concluded by saying, ' I know that Messias cometh, 
which is called Christ ; when he is come, he will tell us all things :' 
when the Lord of life and glory was pleased to reveal himself, 
telling her, ' I that speak unto thee am he.' From what she had 
heard and felt, she could not for a moment doubt, and leaving her 
water-pot, went her way into the city to proclaim his power, and 
declare him to her brethren, * Come, see a man which told me all 
things that ever I did ; is not this the Christ V I was strengthened 
to make a solemn and confident appeal to all present, who had at- 
tained to years capable of serious thought and reflection, if they 
had not at seasons heard the voice of this < unspeakable gift,' 
bringing to their remembrance ' all things that ever they did,' in 
order that they might repent, return unto God, and live for ever. 
This is the grace that brings salvation ; in this we must all believe 
— to. this we must all come, and hearken and obey its teachings. 
The above, although only a part, is the substance of what was de- 
clared amongst them : the people were very attentive, as has been 
uniformly the case at every meeting. 

24th. " This afternoon the ' Columbia' barque and ' Beaver' 
steam-vessel prepared to proceed to the Columbia River. Before 
sailing, they were furnished with a supply of tracts, those printed 
for Friends, for the Religious Tract Society, and a number of tem- 
perance tracts, which were received with apparent kindness. 
The crews of these vessels are amongst the most profligate that 
have visited the port of Honolulu since our arrival ; they are both 
in the employ of the London Hudson's Bay Company. 

25th. " Held our week-day meeting as usual, which proved a 
low, stripped and barren season ; but we must be content to suffer 
with a suffering Lord ; and truly the state of the people in this 
place is affectingly dark: the prince of darkness reigns unmasked; 
the lives and conduct of the major part of the white residents de» 

16* 



182 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

clare it openly, to whom these remarks principally refer. Speci- 
mens of all the books, pamphlets, &c., which have issued from the 
mission press were sent us a short time ago by a missionary, ac- 
companied by the following note : — ' We send by your young man 
a copy of all the books that are printed, with the exception of the 
New Testament, which will be ready for delivery in a week or 
ten days. Please to accept them as a token of our esteem and 
approbation of the motives which have induced you to visit these 
ends of the earth.' 

26th. " To-day visited the school of half-white boys. As our 
caUing was altogether unexpected, there could have been no con- 
trivance whatever to show off to the best advantage. Sixteen 
boys were present: we heard them read, spell, and answer a 
variety of questions, and saw specimens of their writing. This 
school has been estabhshed rather more than three years, and al- 
though no great progress has been made by any of the scholars, 
yet when the habits in which they have been trained are consider- 
ed, and the baneful examples they are daily and almost hourly 
exposed to when at home, of drinking, swearing, gambling, and 
every evil that can well be conceived or imagined, it is only sur- 
prising that they are as they are. Several of the parents are grog- 
sellers, and keepers of gambhng-houses. Some of the children are 
the offspring of the principal inhabitants, American or English, on 
the father's side, who live with native women, but unmarried. In 
point of intellect these children are equal to any in the world, and 
some of them particularly quick and intelligent, but none more so 
than one true-born native boy, adopted by a white resident, from 
supposed motives of poKcy. On hearing them read some manu- 
script verses on * a little boy that never told a lie,' and ' a paper 
against committing sin,' I perceived something gathering upon my 
mind, and told the master that I wished to say a few words before 
w^e separated, as we might never meet together again. I wished 
them fully to understand that the knowledge they were acquiring 
by the instruction afforded, would be no benefit in reality, but ren- 
der their condemnation greater, unless obedience kept pace with it ; 
reviving the Saviour's words, ' If ye know these things, happy are 
ye if ye do them.' That reading those verses on ' a little boy that 
never told a lie,' or those ' against committing sin,' even if they 
had them by heart, would be of no avail to them, if they gave 
way to telling lies, or to committing any other sin; for ' Nothing 
that is unclean, nothing that is impure, that worketh an abomina- 
tion, or maketh a lie,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven. That 
the only way to escape falling into temptation, is at all times, as 
much as may be, to consider ourselves in the presence of Almighty 
God, who sees and knows all our actions, and the most secret 
thoughts of the heart, by His Holy Spirit, which searcheth all 
things, even the deep things of God ; every imagination of our 
thoughts is known to Him, nothing can be hid. That some of 



DANIEL WHEELER. 183 

them were old enough to know when they did wrong, either in 
telling untruths, or when in any other way they committed sin ; 
that they then felt uncomfortable and unhappy in themselves : that 
these are the reproofs of the Holy Spirit for sin and disobedience, 
and if attended to would lead to hfe, and to these I wished them 
to take heed. — That the Lord loveth an early sacrifice ; He de- 
lighteth to regard it. That they must have heard what the voice 
of wisdom saith in the Holy Scriptures; ' I love them that love me, 
and they that seek me early shall find me.' That they could not 
begin too soon to seek an acquaintance with the Lord's Holy Spirit 
in their hearts, that so they might become wise. That the great 
end and object of all teaching and all learning, should be to make 
wise unto salvation. The boys were very attentive, and behaved 
in a solid manner. We remained until the school was dismissed, 
and then returned on board. In the evening we were again on 
shore, and were detained there until after nine o'clock, by a vio- 
lent storm of thunder,, lightning, and rain. 

29th. " Yesterday {jirst-day) collected the crew twice in the 
cabin for devotional purposes : our intervals of silence were solid 
and consohng. This afternoon came in, the * Gryphon,' Captain 
Little, from St. Blass, bringing intelligence from America, via 
Panama, in sixty-eight days, of the destruction by fire of a large 
portion of the city of New York. 

1st of Third month. "Having completed an address to those 
who bear rule over the inhabitants of the Sandwich Islands, in 
order to procure a translation of the same into their language, it 
seemed best to consult the senior missionary on the subject. After 
having perused it, he very kindly undertook to translate it, in 
readiness to lay before the king and chiefs when convened for the 
occasion, in the course of a day or two. 

. 11th. "This morning Hiram Bingham came on board to say 
we were expected this evening at his house, as Kinau, the govern- 
ing chiefess, with her associates, and the king himself, would be 
there; and that my address would probably be read. May the 
Lord incline their hearts to render unto him his due. 

12th. " Soon after sunset last evening, we repaired to Hiram 
Bingham's, where the whole of the company expected assembled, 
with some others. After tea the address was introduced, and read 
in the native language. The greatest attention was manifested by 
the principals present, and a solemn feeUng prevailed over us. 
Shortly after the readiiig was finished, one of the females proposed 
that it should be printed, which was confirmed by Kinau, and ap- 
peared to be the mind of all the parties concerned. Unless this 
were done, it is scarcely probable that the end intended and hoped 
for, would be answered, as to the future rulers of these islands. 
Kinau remarked, that it was very easy to be understood. Having 
done what I believed to be my part, I can peacefully leave the 
result to Him, who alone can make it subservient to any purpose 



184 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

for his own praise and glory, and the well-being of the workman- 
ship of his hands. The following is a copy of the address : — 

^^ Address to the Rulers of the Sandwich Islands. 

" As the present and eternal well-being of the inhabitants of the 
Sandwich Islands is often the fervent and ardent desire of my 
heart, my attention has of late been arrested by the consideration 
and belief, that it will be best for me to leave behind a written 
memorial, which under the blessing of the Almighty parent of the 
whole human family, * the God and Father of our Lord Jesus 
Christ,' may have a tendency to remind the governing chief and 
her associates in authority, or those into whose hands the control 
and government of these islands may be entrusted at a future day, 
of their great responsibility and indispensable duty to God, to them- 
selves, and to the people over whom they preside. 

" In order to draw down the blessing Divine both upon prince 
and people, or upon rulers and people, let it never be forgotten or 
lost sight of, that * he that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in 
the fear of God.' The fear of God is the foundation-stone upon 
which every Christian government ought to be erected : upon this 
only it can stand secure and prosper. This fear at once makes it 
safe and permanent, because it ' is clean, enduring for ever ;' for 
where the true fear of God prevails over every other considera- 
tion, the heart is kept clean and watchful against every temptation 
to let self-interest or partiality bear sway, either in the case of our- 
selves or others, when decrees or laws are made or enacted, or 
when judgment is called for between man and man. Impartiality 
is the Hfe of justice, as justice is of government. 

*' When every thing is conducted in this fear in the sight of God, 
divested of partiality and every sinister motive whatever, without 
feehng any painful sense or evidence of condemnation after a de- 
cision of importance is come to, (and every case is important 
because it demands strict justice,) then have we confidence to- 
wards Him, inasmuch as our duty is performed towards Him, and 
justice has assuredly prevailed; and having done our duty towards 
God in this decision, it is done also to ourselves and to the people. 
* But if our heart condemn us, God, who knoweth all things, is 
greater than our hearts ;' and we may rest assured that such a 
decision is not in righteous judgment : it hath not been come to in 
his fear, nor in that love which is first of all due to Him, and then 
to our neighbour or brother, as unto ourselves. This love would 
not fail to prompt us to do unto others, as we would that others 
should do unto us; and for want of this, an unjust decision has 
been made, for which we are condemned by the Lord's holy and 
pure witness in our hearts; it has been made contrary to the com- 
mandment in the old law, and also to the benign principle and pre- 
cept of the glorious Gospel, both which are distinguished by the 
heaven-born characteristic of love to God, and love to man. * God 



fe^ 



DANIEL WHEELER. 185 



is love, and he that dwelleth in love, dv^elleth in God, and God in 
hkn.' Such are the excellent of the earth, and compose the bless- 
ed in heaven : they are come ' to the spirits of just men made per- 
fect,' and are fit to rule over men : their judgment is just and righ- 
teous ; they rule ' in the fear of God.' 

" The religion of Jesus at once qualifies a man for every station 
of life in which it pleases Almighty God to place him, but it is the 
ever-blessed truth in possession, in the inw^ard parts, which alone 
can safely guide out of all error into all truth, and make us to 
know wisdom. A mere profession only will avail us nothing, we 
being destitute of the true fear and love of God, demonstrated by 
good works ; and faith is the root of all, for without this we can- 
not please God ; nor can we fear and love that in w^hich we do not 
believe. The Saviour of the world was holy, harmless, humble, 
meek, and lowly, just, merciful, and full of love ; yea, love itself 
personified, when among us, to teach what we should do when He 
was gone. But He is amongst us still, and in us too, an ever- 
living and perpetual preacher of the same grace, by His Holy 
Spirit in our consciences; and by this alone kings and others, 
whose province it is to rule over men, are qualified to promote 
amongst the people whatsoever things are true, honest, just, pure, 
lovely, and of good report, and where these are the fruit and 
works produced, such a government and such a people must be 
lovely indeed to every beholder. 

" But now let us examine whether our justice is complete in the 
fear and love of God, and to our fellow-men, lest we should be 
deceiving ourselves and endangering the well-being of our own 
immortal souls, while those we are ruling over shall be finally ad- 
mitted, wdth Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, into the kingdom of God, 
and ourselves thrust out: 'For whosoever shall keep the whole 
law, and yet offend in one point, is guilty of all :' in like manner, 
*he that is unjust in a little,' is at once upon a level with him who 
is unjust in much. And although we may be faithful and strictly 
just in the administration of the laws themselves, without partiality 
or respect of persons ; yet, if these laws are such as to sanction 
covetousness on the part of rulers, and allow them to grind the 
faces of the poor by unwarrantable oppression and extortion, to 
uphold and support themselves in vice, luxury, and extravagance, 
then this calculation may be safely made, that sooner or later the 
oppressed people will take the reins of such a government into 
their own hands, and rule in their turn after the same example of 
injustice and oppression, which has been set before their eyes, and 
under which they have so long groaned and suffered, unheeded and 
unregarded, unless the merciful and righteous Lord should please, 
in wonted compassion, to gather them to Himself from the face of 
the earth, and permit strangers and foreigners to possess these 
fruitful islands, who for want of firmness and justice on the part of 
the rulers, towards God, to themselves, and the greatly injured 



186 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

aborigines of the soil, are rapidly establishing themselves upon it, 
and prosecuting commerce, some branches of which are obviously 
pernicious. Therefore, they who rule over men must be just, ruling 
in the fear of God : and where they are happily thus ruling,- they 
will be truly great, and their reign glorious ; every act of injustice 
will be avoided : love, joy, peace, and comfort will prevail in the 
land ; the population, instead of diminishing, will increase and mul- 
tiply abundantly, and the blessing of the Lord will rest upon it. 

" Happy those rulers (said a wise man) who are great by justice, 
and that people which is free by obedience : and they who are just 
to the people in great things, and humour them oftentimes in small 
ones, are sure to have and keep them from all the world. The 
members of an obedient well-regulated family, treated with every 
act of affectionate kindness, never meet with any home so sweet as 
their own ; besides, long experience and holy example tell us, that 
goodness raises a nobler passion in the soul, and begets and gives 
a more exalted sense of duty, than cruelty, oppression, and severity. 
Sore and heavy judgments are denounced by the Most High in 
the Scriptures of truth, against oppression, and oppressors of the 
poor and him that hath no helper. ' He that oppresseth the poor 
is a reproach to his Maker ; but he that honoureth Him hath mercy 
on the poor ;' and the justice and mercy of rulers should shine 
conspicuously in all their actions. * The wicked and unjust man 
and his oppressor, have their portion and inheritance appointed of 
the Lord,' and it is declared, they shall receive it of the Almighty : 
if his children be multiplied, it is for the sword, and his offspring 
shall not be satisfied with bread ; those that remain of him shall be 
buried in death, and his widows shall not weep : though he heap 
up silver as the dust, and prepare raiment as the clay ; he may 
prepare it, but the just shall put it on, and the innocent shall divide 
the silver.' The Israelites were sorely oppressed in their day, but 
what was the result ? the destruction of Pharaoh and all his follow- 
ers. If the poor people of this island and the surrounding ones are 
grievously oppressed, either by burdensome claims or taxation, 
they that rule over them cannot be just, ruling in the fear of God ; 
and however they may reconcile these things to their own con- 
sciences for a time, the Lord's righteous judgments will assuredly 
overtake them : He will plead the cause of the poor and of the 
oppressed with a mighty hand and stretched out arm ; and will 
rid them of their oppressors for his great name's sake. Now, that 
justice and judgment in which the Lord delighteth, would at once 
loose the bands of wickedness, undo the heavy burdens, let the op- 
pressed go free, and break every yoke of exaction and extortion. 
The people would then enjoy the comforts and blessings which the 
, Lord in mercy hath bountifully showered down upon them ; they 
would then feel an interest in the welfare of their neighbours, and 
in their country at large: but if afflicted by the pressure of heavy 
burdens, every feeling of sympathy and social interest is benumbed ; 



DANIEL WHEELER. 187 

they have nothing to lose and nothing to gain, and it matters little 
to them who are their rulers ; they can scarcely be worse off than 
they are. Without their privileges as men and brethren are con- 
sulted and respected, the profession of Christianity is but mockery ; 
instruction only serves to show them that their rulers are not just, 
nor ruling in the fear of God : and the pretensions of such rulers 
to religion are vain, more calculated to produce disgust and ab- 
horrence at its restraints, than piety, virtue, and holiness. 

" Although much has been said, and might still be said, yet it all 
centres in one point at last : ' He that ruleth over men must be just, 
ruHng in the fear of God :' and such as are desirous of ruling in His 
fear, can only be advised to take counsel of Him on every occa- 
sion, by invariably consulting the holy witness in their own hearts, 
which will neither flatter nor deceive. If we are truly desirous of 
obeying the royal law, of doing to others as we would ourselves 
be done unto, let us endeavour to place ourselves in the situation 
of others, and act for them as if acting for ourselves, in all cases 
and at all times, without partiality, or respect of persons, whether 
rich or poor, high or low, bond or free, old or young, stranger or 
friend, for the same justice is due to all. It would be as presump- 
tuous and assuming, as it would be altogether in vain, for any in- 
dividual to take upon himself to advise in a matter which involves 
so great a responsibility as that of ruling over men, beyond simply 
referring all parties to the righteous and only true and safe princi- 
ple of justice in the fear of God. To fear God and keep his com- 
mandments is the whole duty of man in every station upon earth, 
from the loftiest prince to the humblest peasant ; and the way to 
fear Him is, for all of us to bring every thought, word and deed, to 
the light of his Holy Spirit in the secret of the soul, and to watch 
and pray, and wait in this light, to know his holy will, which 
would clearly discover whether the action or transaction we are 
about to undertake or engage in, or decide upon, (whether we be 
rulers or people, for the question bears on all, and the light shines 
in all,) is done or committed in the fear of God, and in obedience 
to His commandments which are, that we should love Him above 
and before all, and our neighbour as ourselves. If we do not act 
upon these manifestations, in faithfulness and truth, our heart will 
condemn us, because what we do is not done in the fear of God, 
who is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. But if our 
heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward Him, and 
whatsoever we ask we receive of Him, because we are walking 
in his fear, and keeping his commandments, and doing those things 
which are pleasing in his divine sight. From the best observation 
I have been able to make, whilst hearing the sentiments of persons 
high in authority over these islands, in addition to an evidence upon 
my own mind abidingly sealed, I am thoroughly convinced by their 
own remarks upon things of the highest concernment, that they 
know what is right well enough : ♦ for that which may be known 



188 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

of God is manifest in them, God hath showed it unto them,' to the 
praise and glory of his grace. All that is wanting on their part, 
is a constant dwelHng near to this precious gift of God in their 
own hearts, watching unto prayer; Spraying always with all 
prayer and supplication in the spirit, and watching thereunto with 
all perseverance.' Then their councils and deliberations will be 
blessed : they will be qualified to judge righteous judgment at all 
times and in all cases, against every false tongue, even to the giv- 
ing * the living child to its own mother ;' and no weapon formed 
against them by Satan or his agents shall be suffered to prosper, 
for the Lord Most High will be their ' shield, and their exceeding 
great reward.' 

" It is an evident sign of a corrupt and unchristian government, 
when any of its subjects are permitted to suffer persecution, either 
directly or indirectly, on the score of religious dissent from any 
particular established form, so long as the public peace is undis- 
turbed, as the * sword of the magistrate should be a terror only to 
evil-doers, but for the praise of them that do well :' * By their 
fruits ye shall know them.' To persecute others because they do 
not see or think as ourselves, is the sure and hateful mark, which 
can never be mistaken, of the false church, over which the devil 
presides in full power. But the true church, whose holy head is 
the Lord Jesus Christ, never persecuted any, but * suffereth long 
and is kind ; beareth all things ; believeth all things ; hopeth all 
things ; endureth all things ; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth 
in the truth,' its sure and immovable foundation ; love and mercy 
being the chief corner stone, upon which no other principle shall 
ever be displayed than that of doing to others as we would that 
all men should do unto us. 

" Let none consider me an enemy because I have spoken the 
truth. I pray that the foregoing hints may be accepted in a mea- 
sure of the same love in which they are written by one who de- 
sires the eternal salvation of all mankind. 

" Daniel Wheeler. 

" On board the ' Henry Freeling,' in the harbour of Honolulu, the 
1st of Third month, 1836. Sandwich Isle, Oahu." 

13th. (First-day,) " Remained on board through the day with 
our own people. Strippedness and poverty of mind, my present 
portion, and perhaps food of all others the most needful for me. 

18th. "It having been a subject of consideration whether there 
would not be a propriety in our showing kind attention to the 
American mission, by inviting some of each family on board the 
* Henry Freeling,' as best suited their convenience, lest by an ap- 
parent non-intercourse of a social kind betwixt us, malicious re- 
ports might get circulated by the white residents, calculated to in- 
jure them in the estimation of the natives ; and also in the hope of 



DANIEL WHEELER. 189 

setting aside some false impressions detrimental to their interest, 
of which there had been already no slight indication : concluding 
it best to adopt such a measure, we called yesterday evening upon 
the two oldest families, who readily accepted ^n invitation, and 
seemed glad of an opportunity of visiting us. When leaving the 
senior missionary's habitation, a newspaper was put into my hand, 
said to contain the great ' Missionary Question,' accompanied with 
a desire that our sentiments might be given on the subject. On 
examining the paragraph alluded to, when returned on board, I 
found this question had been propounded by the said missionary 
himself to the American board, in these words: *We are often led 
to inquire (can you tell us ?) why it is that so few who hear the 
Gospel in Christian countries, and in the -fields of missionary la- 
bour, are savingly converted to Christ?' querying if the cause of 
this acknowledged and deplored evil arose from such and such cir- 
cumstances as he enumerates at full length. Both, or parts of both 
families came on board the 19th inst. as invited. Boisterous wea- 
ther, with frequent heavy rains. 

22nd. " Yesterday and to-day some of the members of the mis- 
sions, both male and female, came on board, but the roughness of 
the weather necessarily shortened their visit. In the evening at- 
tempted to take exercise on shore, and although we reached the 
landing-place, the rain fell so heavily, that we did not quit the boat, 
but returned to the vessel again. In the night heavy gusts of wind 
from the mountains; at one o'clock, A.M. the brig 'Bolivar' drove 
down upon us, but no injury was sustained. Two vessels from 
Boston are now at anchor outside the reef; this is the third day 
of their being in this exposed situation, and the wind is still so 
strongly opposed that they cannot enter the harbour. 

26th. " But little communication with the shore since the 22nd 
inst., owing to the state of the weather. By a newspaper brought 
out by one of the vessels just arrived from America, we are fur- 
nished with the Epistle of the Yearly Meeting held in London in 
1835, of which a present has been made to us in great kindness. 
It was a treat no less welcome for not having been anticipated, and 
to myself particularly consoling, being replete with explanation of 
the principles and views of our religious Society, as held by our 
w^orthy predecessors when they first came forth, and declaring 
them to remain unalterably the same at this day. I trust the pure 
mind will be stirred up in many of our members to a serious con- 
sideration, whether we are endeavouring to uphold them in their 
original purity and simplicity, as handed down to us, in the eyes of 
the world, and in faithfulness and gratitude to Him who called and 
separated those ancient worthies from the many lo here's, and lo 
there's of their day and generation, to be a people to His praise. 
We also obtained a copy of an article contained in the last * St. 
Petersburgh Journal of Agriculture,' in w^hich our own name is 
mentioned in connexion with the improvement of the lands in the 

17 



190 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

neigbourhood of that capital, &c. The knowledge of my beloved 
family being still there, at least when the account was printed, 
which was much later than any tidings we had ourselves received, 
although nothing could possibly be gleaned of their present state 
and welfare, yet to hear of them, even in this way, yielded a satis- 
faction which those only know and can appreciate, who have been 
long and distantly separated from all most dear on earth to memory 
and life. 

27th. (First-day.) " The weather still very boisterous. As- 
sembled the crew in the cabin twice in the day. In the forenoon 
it was a dull, heavy season ; the afternoon more lively. I have 
been much cast down of late by several discouraging circum- 
stances. The continuance of heavy rain not only confines us 
more on board, but within the narrow limits of our little heated 
cabin below deck. In addition to this I do not see my way clear 
for leaving the island of Oahu, while most persons around are 
impatient to be gone, and cannot exactly enter into my feelings. 
The Lord alone knoweth, and to Him I commit my cause, and 
desire to bow in humble resignation to his Holy Will : if only now 
and then favoured with a glimpse of his heavenly, life-giving pre- 
sence, (however short if certain) it will be enough. 

24th of Fourth month. (First-day) " In the morning wrote a 
note to John Deill, enclosing a written notice, which he was re- 
quested to read to the people at the breaking up of the forenoon 
meeting, informing that a public meeting for worship, after the 
manner of the Society of Friends, would be held in the Mariners' 
Chapel that evening, at the usual hour^ to which the company of 
all persons who inclined to attend was requested. Our captain 
delivered this note to John Deill, and no difficulty appearing on 
his part, notice was then personally given in such directions as 
seemed most likely to insure full publicity. 

" Read portions of Scripture to our seamen twice in the course 
of the day. At the time appointed, landed to attend the meeting. 
It gathered slowly, but in the end was well attended. After sitting 
a while in silence, it was with me to point out the desirableness of 
our endeavouring to get into a quiet state of mind, that we might 
be sensible of the influence of the Holy Spirit, to solemnize our 
minds together, if He should be graciously pleased to lift up the 
light of His heavenly countenance upon us, and bless us there- 
with: we then settled down into silence before Him. After a time, 
one or two persons went out, but stillness generally prevailed over 
the company. When the time came for me to stand up, I told 
them that I had no expectation of my voice being heard again 
among them, that my mouth had for several weeks been closed up, 
and that a heavy burden had rested upon my mind, — to what shall 
I compare it, but to * the roll that was written within and without, 
with lamentation, and mourning, and woe,' for the inhabitants of 
that place, who are crucifying to themselves the Son of God 



DANIEL WHEELER. 191 

afresh, and by their example putting him to open shame, in the 
face of the benighted islanders among whom they dwell. It was 
probable that those who were the principal causes of this travail 
of soul, were not among that company, but I could do no less for 
the clearance of my own mind, than pubHcly advert to this lament- 
able and so generally prevailing state of things, lest I should be 
found short of doing my own duty, though the cause of suffering 
might not be removed ; but the disciples of Christ must be wiUing 
to suffer with their suffering Lord, and to fill up that which is be- 
hind, that which remains of the afflictions of Christ in the flesh, 
for his body's sake, which is the church. Notwithstanding the 
extent to which sin and iniquity abound, such is the wondrous love 
of God to his creature man, that he willeth not the death of a sin- 
ner, but that all should repent, return unto Him, and live for ever : 
for this He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth 
on Him should not perish, but have everlasting life ; and blessed 
are they that have not seen, and yet have believed in the only be- 
gotten Son of God. I trusted that there were many such believers 
then before me, who profess to be his followers ; but that a bare 
profession only of Christ would do little for any of us — nothing 
short of the possession of the unspeakable gift of His Holy Spirit 
will avail us. It is no matter under what denomination of reli- 
gion we are walking before men, or to what outward and visible 
body of professing Christians we may belong, if we are not mem- 
bers of the mystical body of which Christ Jesus is the holy Head 
and everlasting High Priest, the church triumphant, whose names 
are written in heaven : and there is no other way of attaining to 
this, but by and through Christ Jesus ; by receiving Him in the 
way of his coming. We must be willing to take his yoke upon 
us, and learn of him meekness and lowliness ; we must be wilUng 
to submit to the restraining yoke of his Holy Spirit upon us, and 
to bring our deeds to its light, which will show us our sins, and 
our exceeding sinfulness, and cause us to feel our miserable condi- 
tion. As this yoke is patiently abode under, the effect will be godly 
sorrow unto repentance, never to be repented of: for the prospect 
of the glories of eternity will be gradually opened to our view, 
and we shall be permitted to behold the blessedness of those who 
have found rest in Jesus. Our sins will be removed from us as 
far as the east is from the west, and blotted out for ever for His 
sake ; and we shall be numbered among those who have returned, 
and come to Zion, with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads, 
because ransomed and redeemed from our sins by the blood of 
Jesus, the new and living way, and the only way of initiation into 
membership with those whose names are written in heaven. Un- 
less we witness this, and know from heart-felt experience Christ 
Jesus for ourselves, to save us from our sins. He is no Saviour of 
ours: and if we die in our sins, where He is, we can never come. 
I stood long among them : and although in the fore-part of the 



192 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

time it seemed heavy getting on, yet towards the latter end, the 
life spread over us in an eminent manner, and reigned over alL 
The people seemed as if riveted to their seats, instead of rising up 
and hasting away, when I sat down. After this I had to appeal 
to themselves as witnesses of the power which prevailed over us. 
They still remained stationary after I again sat down, until in- 
formed that the meeting was over. Such was the renewed good- 
ness and mercy of Him to his poor unworthy creatures ; but He 
is * God over all, blessed for ever.' Amen. 

" 25th. " The way seemed now clear for me to direct that the 
vessel should be completely furnished with wood and water, and 
prepared for sea in other respects. In the evening, I went to Hi- 
ram Bingham, to say that I wished to see the people once again 
collected ; at the same time querying, whether, if the meeting in 
the middle of the week was held in the evening, there would not 
be a fuller attendance, especially if the occasion was made known. 
He immediately proposed, that as their week-day meeting consist- 
ed principally of Church members only, they should come together 
as usual on the fourth day, and that he would then give notice of 
a meeting to be held on the fifth day evening at half-past seven 
o'clock. This proposal was accordingly adopted, and gratefully 
accepted on my part. 

" On observing the of Boston preparing for sea, our mate 

was despatched with a parcel of tracts, &c., for the use of the 
ship's company ; when he got upon her deck, the chief mate came 
forward and (seeing what he had in his hand) said, * We do not 
receive any of those things : we are all infidels : we do not want 
any thing connected with the Bible ; but if you will bring us any 
of the writings of Voltaire, Tom Paine or Rousseau, we shall 

thank you for them: give Captain 's compliments to Mr. 

Wheeler, and say we don't want any thing of the kind ; and if 
you persist in leaving them, they shall be thrown overboard.' The 
mate returned on board quite disconcerted, having never be- 
fore met with such a reception in the Pacific. There is great rea- 
son to fear that there are many of this description in these parts, 
but such an open avowal is rarely to be found. Upon inquiry, it 
appeared that no sailors are admitted on board this ship but such 
as deny the existence of an Almighty Being. 

26th. " To-day employed in receiving stone-ballast, to supply the 
weight of iron, hardware, tin, and nails, disposed of from time to 
time. As soon as our wants were communicated to the govern- 
ment, without waiting for an arrangement being made by our cap- 
tain for the stone, and its transport, eight canoes of large dimensions 
were loaded and despatched to our vessel. Writing-paper and 
nails were sent in return for this accommodation to the full extent 
of its value ; it had been previously ascertained that writing-paper 
was very scarce with those in authority. 

27th. " Until now, every thing like a present to any of the par- 



DANIEL WHEELER. 193 

ties with whom we have been connected, was studiously avoided 
on our part, as gifts often open a door to blindness and perversion; 
but the time of our departure being at hand, several articles likely 
to be useful were selected and presented to * Kinau,' and her asso- 
ciate chiefs, as a token of esteem and gratitude for the uniform 
kindness shown us while in the port of Honolulu; which were 
courteously received. The sails were now brought to the yards 
and booms, and every thing secured for encountering the passages 
between island and island, which (the almost constant trade-wind 
forcing an immense body of water through them from the mighty 
Pacific, at times against a counter-current,) often exhibit an out- 
rageous sea, in which a vessel frequently suffers more than through 
the whole passage from England to Oahu. The wind usually 
blows from the north-east quarter, so that a vast extent of ocean 
ranges continually towards these islands, except during a short 
period of the year, when the northerly blasts prevail. With the 
assistance of the British consul, a pilot well acquainted with all the 
principal bays, coves, and creeks of the islands was procured to 
accompany us. He could talk a little bad English, was a native 
of Oahu, and went by the name oi ^Sugar-Cane.'' Being an elderly 
man, and very asthmatical, one of his sons was brought to assist in 
caring for him, and to take his share of duty with our crew. 

28th. " Felt much depressed at the weight of the prospect of 
meeting with the natives in the evening, as before appointed, but 
endeavoured to bear up in humble reliance on the everlasting Arm 
of strength in patient resignation. 

" Sat down together in the forenoon as usual ; in the afternoon 
a native schooner (the ' Vittoria') through mismanagement ran di- 
rectly against our vessel. A serious injury was generally antici- 
pated on all sides, but it was so ordered that the violence of the 
shock was broken by first one rope giving way and then. another, 
as the pressure increased, at last her stem came in contact with 
one of our main shrouds, which made such a powerful resistance 
before breaking, as materially to check her progress, when about 
to strike our hull ; so that the whole damage was comparatively 
trifling. Her commander came on board immediately, with tears 
in his eyes, in great fear lest any on board of us had been killed. 
This man and his people so fully expected that one or both of the 
vessels must be destroyed, that he despatched a man to the shore 
for boats to save the crews ; this messenger immediately sprung 
overboard, and swam so quickly as to reach the shore before the 
two vessels began to show signs that they were not seriously in- 
jured. The spectators could scarcely believe that we had sus- 
tained so little harm. After taking tea at Hiram Bingham's we 
proceeded to the meeting appointed the preceding evening, and 
found a large concourse of people assembled in readiness. As this 
was an extra meeting appointed entirely on my account, and 
having expressed a desire that we might sit down in silence, the 

17* 



194 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

people were informed that it would commence with silent waiting, 
and exhorted to stillness. 

" Although it is probable there were more than three thousand 
persons present, and many of them strangers to the practices of 
Friends, yet such was the solemn feehng graciously vouchsafed on 
the occasion, that the greatest order and quietness prevailed. How- 
ever long the interval of silence might seem to others, to myself it 
was remarkably short, before I was strengthened to set forth the 
necessity of silent waiting upon God for the sanctifying influence 
of his Holy Spirit to enable us to worship Him acceptably, ' in 
spirit and in truth.' I had also to bear testimony to the all-suffi- 
ciency of that grace which bringeth salvation, and hath appeared 
unto all men, * teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly 
lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present 
world ; looking for the blessed hope, and glorious appearance of 
the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ, who gave himself for 
us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto him- 
self a peculiar people, zealous of good works.' I was enlarged and 
strengthened to testify the Gospel of the grace of my good and 
gracious God, which bringeth salvation, and hath appeared unto 
all men ; a word of encouragement was strong in my heart to the 
dear people, and I had to remind them, that it was not the rich, 
nor the mighty, nor the noble to whom the call was limited ; not 
many of these were called, nor many that were wise ; but the poor, 
simple-hearted and unlearned, and fishermen like themselves ; and 
that they were the people unto whom the call is still extended. 
After having sat down awhile, it was with me to endeavour to 
make them sensible of the power, that so eminently reigned over 
all; recommending them to keep close to it, and it would be with 
them for ever ; because it is ' the power of an endless life.' None 
attempted to rise up when the meeting was over : I requested Hiram 
Bingham to dismiss them, but they still kept their seats, and the 
same precious solemnity prevailed. When we left our seats they 
began to draw round us to shake hands, and bid us 'farewell.' 
Most of the missionary families were present, and five of their 
preachers. 

29th. " Believing myself clear of the island, every exertion was 
made to be in readiness to leave the harbour on the morrow, and 
although much impeded by persons coming on board, we perse- 
vered in making the attempt. Towards noon Kinau, the reigning 
chiefess, sent on board to ascertain what supplies we were most in 
need of, and her husband, the commander of the fort, seemed a 
little disappointed on finding that hogs and goats were already 
purshased. They provided us, however, with eggs, cabbages, 
water-melons, onions, turkeys, and fowls, sending them off in good 
time. In the afternoon, saw all our accounts settled ; drank tea at 
the consul's, (Captain Charlton,) called upon the whole of the mis- 
sion, and took leave of them. 



DANIEL WHEELER. 195 

30th. "Ill the morning, completed our preparation, made the 
signal for a pilot, according to the rules of the port, and at eleven 
o'clock A. M. shpped off under easy sail, and when clear of the 
reef made sail to the eastward. The morning had been cloudy 
and squally, but the trade-wind was now steady, though strong 
and scant for our purpose. The motion of the vessel was soon suf- 
ficiently violent to make almost all on board sea-sick: for my own 
part, although not sick, I was otherwise unwell. Towards evening 
the wind forsook us, when we had Ranai Point, and the islands of 
Morakai, Maui, and Tauroa in sight. Calm most of the night, but 
we had the mortification to find that our vessel required much 
pumping to keep her clear of water, owing to her having been so 
long in a heated and dry atmosphere, although almost constantly 
covered with awnings. 

1st of Fifth month. {First-day.) " Early in the morning a strong 
trade-wind set upon us, and soon raised a heavy sea. From the 
state of the crew and other circumstances, the usual practice of 
assembling together was necessarily abandoned ; the vessel still 
continuing to require considerable pumping. 

2nd. " Strong gales all the day, with a heavy breaking sea, 
which kept our decks in a constant wash, and rendered it impos- 
sible to secure and preserve the things in the cabin, from the inno- 
vations of the salt water. The evening brought us less wind, but 
the swell still continued. In the morning split the jib, and carried 
away one of the runner pendants, which support the mast : this 
being to windward, for a time endangered it. Towards nightfall, 
we had an indistinct view of the island of Owhyee, now called 
Hawaii. 

3d. " Notwithstanding the scantiness of the trade-wind, we 
had the satisfaction to find, soon after day-light this morning, that 
there was a probability of our fetching into the neighbourhood of 
'Kalakakua Bay.' As the day advanced the wind became more 
favourable, but as we crept under the land the breeze was light. 
About three o'clock P. M. we dropped an anchor in ten fathoms 
water, close in w^th the shore, and near the place where the affray 
occurred, in which the British commander, James Cook, was kill- 
ed. This bay is exposed to the sweep of the Pacific, from south 
to west: but such is the marvellous provision for the safety of ves- 
sels which touch here, and for enabling the natives to procure a 
plentiful supply of fish, that a sea-breeze sets in almost as regularly 
as the day revolves ; but before the swell of the sea has time to 
rise to any material height, the land-breeze comes off* the moun- 
tains, and restores order again upon the ruflled surface : at some 
seasons of the year, it would, however, be very unsafe for a vessel 
to anchor here ; a few hours is generally sufficient for those which, 
do come, to obtain a supply of hogs, goats, &c. No canoe came 
near us for a considerable time after the anchor was down, and 
then they came oflf very sparingly ; but when the first adventurers 



196 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

had had time to return again to the shore, and report to their com- 
rades, that they had been invited on board, and that we had articles 
for barter, our deck was presently crowded with almost all ages 
and sizes, of the male natives, bringing with them pine-apples, pi- 
geons, bananas, ninitas, &c., with the different varieties of shells 
which this part of the coast fm'nishes. They remained with us 
until sun-down, and seemed well satisfied with their visit. It ap- 
peared that it would be best to visit the missionary station without 
delay, and to request that a meeting of the islanders might be con- 
vened purposely, without waiting for their usual meeting day, as a 
few yards of cotton print would be an ample reward for those who 
took an active part in this business, for the extra fatigue it would 
occasion. By this step a much larger attendance would be secur- 
ed, besides the saving of time which was now particularly import- 
ant, as the missionaries were shortly to leave all the stations upon 
this island, to attend their annual meeting at Oahu, which holds 
three weeks or more, and generally, from one or other circum- 
stance, requires nearly two months to restore the parties to their 
respective stations again, 

" At midnight the wind came in from sea-board, (an unusual 
circumstance,) but as the night was serene and tranquil round 
about, we remained stationary, although some swell had begun to 
set into the bay, but it did not materially increase. 

4th. " Our deck was crowded in good time this morning by the 
natives, bringing with them abundance of their simple varieties for 
barter. In the forenoon we landed, and ascended a steep more 
than two miles in length, and by places almost inaccessible. The 
great heat of the sun, reflected from a nearly black surface of vol- 
canic rock, smooth, and glassy, was almost insupportable. The 
native boys and girls were very desirous to help me up the hill : 
some pulled me forward by the arms, and others pushing behind, 
contributed to lessen the fatigue; ahhough this had a ludicrous ap- 
pearance, I could not well reject their kindness. On reaching the 
mission-house, we were welcomed in a friendly manner by Coch- 
ran Forbes and his wife, who occupy this secluded habitation. As 
the native meeting was to be held in regular course in the after- 
noon, it was concluded that notice should be given of a public 
rneeting to be held to-morrow morning, for our accommodation, 
in the hope of collecting a large number of the people together, 
but a chief woman who sat by stated, that as the king and his 
large retinue were at Kailua, (the next station,) the people who 
were now at home, in their huts, would be engaged in procuring a 
supply of food, and in transporting it to these visitors both to-mor- 
row and the next day also. On this account it seemed best to hold 
the meeting this afternoon, and to take measures to spread the re- 
port of our being come to attend it. 

" A considerable number of the people were collected at the hour 
appointed, and in due time my certificates were read, and transla- 



DANIEL WHEELER. 197 

ted by the missionary ; and after calling their attention to the impor- 
tance of the object for which we were assembled, abiHty was afford- 
ed me to declare the truth amongst them, fully and freely, for the 
space of an hour, directing them to the light of the Holy Spirit of 
the Lord Jesus which shineth in every heart, which would not only 
show them their sins, but would, if taken heed to, save them from 
their sins, with an everlasting salvation. That as no sin is com- 
mitted without the thought of the heart for its origin ; it is the heart 
that must be watched over, because every thing that defileth a man 
Cometh from thence. First of all, before wickedness is committed, 
proceed ' evil thoughts,' and if these are cherished, then sin foUow- 
eth, and darkness and death reign, — but if the watch is faithfully 
maintained, it will lead unto prayer, and that light which is ' the 
true light, that lighteth every man that cometh into the world,' 
will make manifest the tendency of every thought ; from what root 
in us it springs, whether good or evil ; and as we choose the good, 
and refuse and reject the evil, we shall be strengthened more and 
more to watch, and to pray, even always, ' with all prayer and 
supplication in the spirit, and watching thereunto witli all perse- 
verance,' the light will shine brighter and brighter, we shall no 
longer walk in death and darkness, but shall have * the light of 
life.' In this way the glad tidings of salvation were proclaimed 
amongst them, in Gospel love. Nothing cauld exceed the atten- 
tion and sohdity manifested by these Hawaiians, I humbly trust to 
the glory of Him who wrought and crowned the work by his so- 
lemnizing presence. 

" On the left of the ascent to the missionary station, about half a 
mile from the rocky margin of the sea, stands a rough but substan- 
tial monument, erected to the memory of the late James Cook, 
with the following inscription. ' In memory of Captain James 
Cook, R. N., who discovered these islands in the year of our Lord 
1778 ; this humble monument is erected by his fellow-countrymen 
in the year 1825.' 

5th. " This morning the natives thronged the deck of our little 
vessel. We had agreed to visit the missionary station again this 
afternoon, but the violent exertion of yesterday, rendered my dear 
Charles unfit to risk another such fatigue in the heat of the day ; 
and I thought it best, in order to prevent suffering myself from the 
same cause, to submit to being conveyed upon the shoulders of the 
people, in the same manner as they are accustomed to transport 
their chiefs on particular occasions. Having landed by myself and 
procured some willing natives, upon promise of rewarding each 
of them with some blue cotton print, 1 proceeded on my journey. 
On reaching a very sleep part of the road, and making signs that 
I wished to walk, they at length consented to set me down, but 
seemed quite uneasy until permitted to resume their toil. This I 
did principally on their account to make the work lighter, but I 
found it very difficult to persuade them to do it a second time at 



198 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

the next steep, until a determination was manifested on my part to 
get down, when I was reluctantly permitted to alight : they then 
would not allow me to climb the hill, without some of them push- 
ing behind to help me along. I succeeded in getting set down four 
times : at last my entreaties were altogether disregarded, and they 
persisted in hurrying along, until we reached the missionary door. 
My labour was richly rewarded by a truly interesting opportunity 
with these newly-acquired acquaintances, whose minds were open 
to receive all that I found in my heart to communicate to them. 
They expressed a desire to understand the principles of our So- 
ciety, and inquired if we had any tracts or writings of the Society 
in our possession : they were satisfied on this head, with a promise 
of being well supplied before we left the Bay. The evening pro- 
ved very wet, but several serious women came and took their 
stations on the floor in the usual way. 

6th. " To-day the natives seemed to bring on board, to all ap- 
pearance, all that they possessed, in their eagerness to obtain some 
of our useful articles. Their poverty and want of clothing are ex- 
treme. I purchased many things from them of no use whatever to 
myself or to the vessel, rather than send them away empty-hand- 
ed. The missionary family came on board about noon, and were 
furnished with some of our books. A variety of things calculated 
to be useful for children's wearing apparel, &c., were presented at 
the same time, and gratefully received. May the Lord direct their 
hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for the 
Lord of life and glory. After they returned to the shore, the num- 
ber of natives began to diminish. In the evening we got all secure, 
to be ready to avail ourselves of the land-breeze in the night, to 
enable us, if permitted, to stretch along the coast, towards the Bay 
of Kailua, the next missionary station. Various specimens of na- 
tive manufactured cloth were procured to-day: the frames and 
implements used in making it were brought oflT, in the hope of their 
being accepted in barter. 

" As the king (Kauikeaouli) has arrived in Kailua Bay, the body 
of the people will be necessarily attracted towards that neighbour- 
hood from hence, and many of them engaged in keeping up a sup- 
ply of food and transporting it thither, for his large establishment ; 
on which account several hundreds will assemble at the place of 
worship next first-day, on the occasion of his being there; so that 
my mind is bending towards that spot, in the anticipation of being 
strengthened to declare the mercy and goodness of my Lord 
amongst them, and it is my soul's desire that His heavenly pre- 
sence may be there. 

" At nine o'clock, P. M. got under weigh with a fresh land- 
breeze, and stood off from the coast to secure an offing sufficient to 
warrant our steering with safety shoreward in the dark, clear of 
all crags. Heavy rain fell just after leaving the bay of Kalakakua, 
but the rising of the moon soon after midnight dispelled every 



DANIEL WHEELER. 199 

cloud, and the weather continuing beautifully clear, favoured our 
design. About eight o'clock, A. M., on the morning of the 7th 
inst., we anchored near the king's brig, which, with three native 
schooners, was lying in the roads of Kailua. 

** This anchorage is more exposed to the swells of the ocean than 
that of Kalakakua, having twelve points of the compass without a 
sheltering point of the island. In the forenoon the resident mis- 
sionary, Artemas Bishop, came on board, to welcome us on our 
arrival ; we returned with him to the shore, taking him into our 
boat, as he had come off in a native canoe : on reaching the mis- 
sion-station we were kindly received by the family. Here we 
found a Dr. Gardner, in a declining state of health, who had been 
in the employ of the Hudson's Bay Company, on the Columbia 
river, but had retired in the hope of being benefited by the mild- 
ness of the air at Hawaii. In the afternoon we called at the resi- 
dence of John Adams, alias Kuakini, the governor of the island, 
with whom I became acquainted at Oahu, but he had not returned 
from his favourite employment of fishing, at which he is consider- 
ed very expert. On our way back we sat some time on the floor 
with a chiefs widow, who was sick. On the fort established by 
Tameha-meha are yet remaining two enormous idols, which were 
formerly worshipped by these people. They have been evidently 
cut out of the solid part of two immensely large trees, and carved 
into forms hideous and disgusting, and truly gigantic : and they 
must have cost excessive labour. Several pieces of heavy cannon 
were lying about, with the marks of G. R. upon them, which could 
only be viewed with regret. While together, Artemas Bishop 
very kindly tendered his services in any way in which he could 
be the most useful, placing every thing, as regards the meeting to- 
morrow, at my disposal, and declaring his willingness to act as 
interpreter. 

" On the passage from Honolulu, although our little vessel be- 
came more leaky than at any time since leaving New South 
Wales, (excepting during the heavy tempest encountered in near 
40° south on the voyage from Sidney to Tahiti,) we were in hopes 
that the leaks would close up in a few days, but it was discourag- 
ing to find it still necessary to have recourse to our pumps. 
Whether the * Henry Freeling' was more injured than appeared 
at the time when the schooner ran into her before leaving Hono- 
lulu, or whether the leaking had been occasioned by a seam just 
above the margin of the copper, which may have opened from 
long exposure to the sun in still water, is uncertain; we cannot, 
however, take any measure to ascertain this, until again sheltered 
from the never-ceasing swells of the Pacific ; but our hope and 
trust are in the Lord alone. It was remarked this morning, al- 
though riding in about thirteen fathoms water, that the rocky bot- 
tom might be plainly distinguished, intermingled with patches of 
what was to all appearance hard, solid, white sand, supposed to 



200 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

have coral underneath: but it so fell out that our anchor had fallen 
upon one of these white places, and as it could be seen plainly that 
the bill had made scarcely any impression, nor perceptibly sunk, 
they were thought to be beds of white coral, free from sand. 

8th. {First-day.) " Reached the shore in good time, and find- 
ing that the missionary had not got to the place where the people 
were assembhng in crowds, we walked on to his abode ; he with 
his family then accompanied us to the meeting, which was held in 
a large temporary building close to the sea-shore : this place was 
open on all sides, and widened for the purpose with rows of pil- 
lars on the longest sides, supporting the thatched roofs of this 
extra skirting. Large as it was and well packed, it could not 
accommodate the people, and dense bodies were ranged quite 
without the shelter of the roofs, but being open on all sides, those 
without could hear almost as w^ell as those within. When all 
seemed gathered, the people were informed by Artemas Bishop, 
that if we should remain silent, they were to keep themselves quite 
still and quiet. As I have uniformly witnessed the beneficial ef- 
fects of my certificates being read, I had previously handed them 
to the missionary, who read them audibly in English, as many of 
our nation were present, and afterwards translated them (I believe 
very ably) to the islanders, who were very attentive. A saluta- 
tion in the love of the everlasting Gospel was in my heart to every 
individual then present, when I stood up, desiring that the dew of 
heaven might rest upon them, even unto life, and that for evermore. 
After declaring the fulness of the blessing of the Gospel of Christ 
Jesus, that awaited them if they turned to its light and obeyed it, I 
had to speak of the nature of that true, spiritual worship, which 
only is acceptable in the Divine sight. Vain is the attempt of any 
to draw nigh unto God in praise and prayer with the lips, if the 
heart is not prepared by the Holy Spirit ; pointing out the neces- 
sity of our waiting for this preparation, in humble, reverential si- 
lence before Him who is a Spirit, and discerneth the thoughts and 
intents of every heart, before we can ' worship Him in spirit and 
in truth,' which He requires in this Gospel day, which long since 
dawned upon benighted man. It was the travail of my soul that 
they should all come unto Christ, who is * the true light that light- 
eth every man that cometh into the world, and is given for God's 
salvation unto the ends of the earth.' We had a highly favoured 
season together, and the language of ' peace be unto you,' flowed 
in my heart richly towards these dear people. When the meet- 
ing was well gathered, the king and some of his followers came 
in, and staid the whole time, and behaved in an orderly manner. 
When the meeting broke up, those with whom we had been pre- 
viously acquainted at Oahu flocked about us, and many others 
followed their example of shaking hands. Being informed that a 
Bible-class was about to assemble, in the same building, we re- 
sumed our seats again. It was conducted on the system of learn- 



DANIEL WHEELER. 201 

ing one verse per day, through the week, the whole to be repeated 
on the first-daij of the week. The children and adults repeated 
the same words aloud at the same time. After this, questions were 
asked by the teacher, to which all the parties answered with one 
voice. 

" Not feeling any warrant to request that the afternoon meeting 
should be held exclusively on my account, it took its usual course, 
although it did not seem safe for me to omit attending it. I sat 
near the missionary, and when the usual services were gone 
through, I told him that I wished to say a few words, and on 
standing up, he rose to be ready to interpret, which arrested the 
attention of the people. After a pause, the way opened for me to 
declare the necessity for 'every one that nameth the name of 
Christ, to depart from iniquity,' without which the highest profes- 
sion of the Christian religion is in vain ; and that nothing short of 
the regenerating power of the Spirit of the Lord Jesus in the heart 
of man, can cleanse and purify, and prepare him for that kingdom 
which shall never have an end. It is in the heart that sin hath its 
origin and root, and where the disease is seated, there the remedy 
must be applied. Out of the heart of man, proceed ' evil thoughts,' 
and it is these that must be watched for and detected in the light 
of the Holy Spirit. I stood up in much weakness, but was greatly 
strengthened, and largely opened before sitting down, to testify the 
Gospel of the grace of my God, and to ascribe all to the Lord God 
and to the Lamb, who sitteth upon the throne, who loved us, and 
washed us from sin in his own precious blood, to whom dominion, 
and glory, and praise belong for ever. 

9th. " This morning Kauikeaouli, the king, came on board, 
and fixed to come again in the afternoon to dinner, which he did 
to our great satisfaction, bringing with him a confidential person 
of, respectability, who was born on the island : his father was a 
white man. This young man was brother to the wife of Dr. Rook 
at Oahu before mentioned. Every opportunity that could be de- 
sired was afforded to put the king in full possession of our opinion 
as to the real state of things upon the islands, and to apprize him 
of the artful designs of those persons who are constantly endea- 
vouring to prejudice him against the missionaries, by raising evil 
reports against them on every trifling occasion, under pretence of 
being his best friends, while they are at the same time his worst 
enemies, and those of his people. They would rejoice to see the 
missionaries banished from the islands, the latter being the only 
persons capable of counteracting their desire to reduce the people 
to a state of slavery. By introducing an extensive growth of su- 
gar-cane, and by permitting the chiefs to share in the profit with 
them, they would at once compel the natives to labour for them, 
or in other words to be slaves to their sordid avarice, while a set 
of mercenary foreigners would be enriched, altogether regardless 
of the shameful waste of life they occasion. The king listened 

18 



202 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

with great attention, and from the questions he asked, there is no 
doubt but that he thoroughly understood the substance of the whole 
matter. Although Kauikeaouli does not speak Enghsh with 
facility, yet he understands it tolerably well, and the young man 
who accompanied him, having had a good education, was able to 
give every explanation required. 

" In the evening we drank tea at the mission-house, where again 
Kauikeaouli was one of the company. I sat next to him, but he 
was now like another person, and took no interest in any thing 
that went forward, seeming quite absorbed in thought. During 
the day, the natives were bartering their shells, fowls, and vege- 
tables upon the deck, for our knives, handkerchiefs, needles, and 
fish-hooks. The weather was very hot, and the incessant tumbling 
about of our little vessel, from the swell of the ocean unceasingly 
rolling into this exposed bay, contributed to render it very exhaust- 
ing and fatiguing to supply the demands and attend to the wants 
of the natives, upon whose well-oiled skins the heat seemed to 
make no impression. The number assembled at the meeting yes- 
terday was more than 2000, but many of them had come from the 
neighbourhood of Kalakakua Bay. 

" A large stone building, for a place of worship, is nearly ready 
for roofing at Kailua : and on my remarking the very great thick- 
ness of the walls, I was told, that unless this was the case it could 
not stand, on account of the violent shocks which earthquakes fre- 
quently occasion : at times the tables and chairs rattle on the floors 
of the missionary dwelling. 

10th. " Our deck again crowded with the natives. The mis- 
sionary with his wife and two children, accompanied by Kuakini, 
the governor of the island, paid us a visit in the forenoon, and 
staid dinner on board. In the evening went on shore, and seeing 
nothing to prevent our proceeding to the eastward, took leave of 
those we knew, and returned on board after dark. Preparation 
being made for sailing, and the land-breeze springing up, we left 
the bay of Kailua about midnight and stretched off under easy 
canvass, not having the advantage of moon-light through the 
gloom. In the morning of the 11th inst. the weather clear and 
hot, with light breezes, but not from a favourable quarter. Low 
in mind, but in the enjoyment of peaceful poverty, trusting in Him 
who only knoweth the extent of what is before me. My desire is, 
to be found in the way cast up for me, and that I may leave no- 
thing undone, and no place unvisited where it is His will that 
the ever-blessed truth, by the power of the Holy Spirit, should be 
proclaimed, though it be in weakness and in fear, by such an one 
as myself, frail indeed, and my days fast numbering to a close : 
but the strength of Israel is sufficient for all things required at our 
hands, and if we are faithful, I am persuaded, that as our day is, 
so shall our strength be. 

12th. " From the lightness of the wind, and the adverse set of 



DANIEL WHEELER. 203 

the current, at sun-set last evening we had nearly drifted to the 
bay of Kailua. The wind having freshened and become more 
favourable, we are this morning in sight of Towaihai Bay. In the 
forenoon we anchored as near the coast as seemed prudent, with a 
heavy swell setting into the bay. With the help of Sugar-Cane, 
our pilot, a native was procured and despatched to the missionary 
station at Waimea, with a letter to make arrangements with 
Dwight Baldwin and Lorenzo Lyons, the resident missionaries, for 
collecting the people together as early as might be, in order to ex- 
pedite us on our way to Hilo, in Byron's Bay, situated at the 
southern extremity of the island of Hawaii, and that our vessel 
might be no longer exposed than was absolutely needful, to the 
risk of encountering, what are called by the islanders, Moomoo- . 
koo. These are furious blasts which rush between the two lofty 
mountains, with irresistible force, turning the surface of the sea 
into a white foam, and blowing a vessel entirely away from the 
coast, and though perhaps not producing any serious results, yet it 
may require several days to get her back into the place from 
whence she was driven. As the distance over the mountains from 
the coast to Waimea is more than fourteen miles, our messenger 
cannot be looked for back again till to-morrow morning. On 
reaching Kalakakua Bay, several days ago, we were informed 
that the station of Waimea, near which we now are, is vacant, 
the missionaries having sailed away for their annual meeting ; so 
that there seemed a probability we should have to pass by it: but 
at Kairua we learned that the vessel they were in had met with 
such boisterous weather, that she was compelled to put back again, 
and the indisposition of one of the parties prevented their making a 
second attempt at that time. On inquiring of a native this morn- 
ing through the pilot, this report was found correct, and that the 
two families, had again returned to their station at Waimea, and 
were now there. This evening the master of the missionary 
packet came on board, and said he was to proceed towards H^lo 
to-morrow, to bring away the missionaries : that he was to call 
here on his return for the two families at Waimea, and then to call 
at Kailua for the family resident there, but that he could not exe- 
cute the order he had received, as there were five families at these 
places, and he had only accommodation for three families. I told 
him, that if the missionaries at Waimea could stay to render me 
the needful assistance here, I should then proceed immediately to 
Hilo, and after I visited the people of that place, would then trans- 
port the two families from thence to the island of Maui, from 
which place they would have no difficulty in getting to Oahu, as 
vessels are frequently passing to and fro between those two islands. 
To-morrow it is probable this matter will be decided ; standing re- 
signed to whatever is the will of my heavenly Father, which ever 
way it is, it must be right, believing it will not be required of me 
to go to any part where there is no one capable of interpreting be- 



204 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

tween myself and the natives. From what we have seen of the 
people here in the course of the day, they appear to be more haugh- 
ty, and more exhorbitant in their demands, than at either of the 
two bays we have anchored in before; owing perhaps to their 
having had more intercourse with foreigners, and more frequent 
communication with Oahu. Charles and myself sat down together 
in the forenoon as heretofore, and I believe shared together in a 
long, heavy, lifeless season ; but I humbly trust that I have, in some 
degree, learned in all states to be content, and desire to bear cheer- 
fully every dispensation of the Divine Will; a knowledge of which 
when moving along in the counsel thereof, is at once the strength 
of my life, and food administering consolation and comfort to the 
wayworn traveller." 



CHAPTER XIIL 



Waimea — native meeting — sail for Koala — cascades — ^letter of introduction — volcano — 
Byron's Bay — a Tabu — native meetings — cascade of the rainbow — sail with the mission 
families for Maui — marriage on board — parting interview between the natives and mis- 
sionaries — island of Maui — anchor at Lahaina — proceed to Wairuku — school — native 
meeting — meetings at Lahaina — high school at Lahaina Luna — sail for Oahu — landing 
of the missionaries. 

13th of Fifth month 1836. " The messenger despatched yester- 
day to Waimea returned at an early hour this morning, bringing a 
letter from Dwight Baldwin, (a missionary with whom we became 
acquainted when at the Georgian Islands last year,) which con- 
tained a welcome message, and stated that a horse was sent down 
for my son Charles, and a sufficient number of the native* to trans- 
port myself upon a sort of litter to the station ; at the same time 
informing us, that a meeting might be held with the people in their 
dittrict the same evening, if we left the coast in good time after 
receiving the letter. This being ascertained, we hastened to the 
shore, taking with us Sugar-Cane, the pilot, who from his know- 
ledge of the neighbourhood could point out a landing place most 
free from the breaking surf. Having accomplished our purpose in 
safety, we soon found the natives who had been engaged as burden 
bearers, and there seemed every probability of our setting forward 
without delay ; but when all seemed ready and I had taken my 
seat, some demur began to show itself on the part of the natives, 
and we began to discover, that nothing would satisfy them but the 
sight of the cloth, which they were to have as payment, and a 
knowledge of the quantity that each man was to receive for his 
labour. Supposing that these matters had been fully arranged for 
us by the missionaries as had been requested, we were quite un- 
prepared to answer this demand, and as far as we could under- 



DANIEL WHEELER. 205 

Stand, the parties were determined not to proceed without it was 
compHed with. As the affair could not be adjusted I left my seat 
again, expecting to have to return on board. A number of the 
natives by this time gathered round us, and amongst them was an 
American sailor, and finding that he understood a little of the lan- 
guage, I requested him to inquire whether any other persons . then 
about us would undertake the work. After much debate some con- 
sented, and being informed that whatever the missionaries decided 
upon as their wages, they should be fully paid, a sufficient number 
came forward and we soon began to move on in earnest. The sun 
by this time had become very hot, and the journey altogether ex- 
tremely fatiguing from the road passing over mountain after moun- 
tain with continual ascent nearly the whole distance of fourteen 
miles. I was desirous to lessen the labour of the people as much 
as was in my power, and walked perhaps more than was prudent 
for a stranger in such a climate at noon day. It was late in the 
afternoon when we arrived at Waimea, and on reaching the mis- 
sion-house were kindly received by Lorenzo Lyons, and Dwight 
Baldwin and their families. Feeling much exhausted with the heat 
and the harassing journey, I should have rejoiced if the meeting 
had been appointed for the next morning, but found on inquiry that 
the people would soon begin to collect, and that if postponed until 
to-morrow, but few persons would be able to attend, as they would 
necessarily be widely scattered in collecting food for the first-day 
of the week, so that they might have nothing to prevent their at- 
tending the places of worship. I was informed, that on first-day 
the meeting would be larger if the weather proved fine, but if wet^ 
the people would not come. These things considered, it seemed 
best to take the opportunity which now presented, rather than by 
delay to run the risk of faring worse, if not losing my labour 
altogether. After some refreshment we repaired to the meeting, 
which proved quite as large as was expected. 

" The senior missionary thought it unnecessary to do more than 
explain the nature of my certificates, and this in a brief manner, 
but perhaps sufficient for the understanding of the people. When 
he had finished, I stood up in great weakness, desiring that we 
might endeavour to draw nigh unto the Lord in humble reverence 
of soul. The people were very solid and attentive, and although I 
do not remember having felt less ability to minister or to have less 
matter in prospect, as I proceeded, strength sufficient was merci- 
fully and timely afforded, to endeavour to turn them from darkness 
to the light of the Holy Spirit of the Lord Jesus in their own 
hearts — that they might know Him to be a Saviour indeed, to save 
them from their sins ; that so He might be theirs, and th^ might 
be His, through the never-ending ages of eternity : it is He who 
bringeth unto God the Father, and raiseth up at the last day. I 
stood long among them, and though to myself the life never seemed 
to rise and spread, as at some favoured seasons, and my own ex- 

18* 



206 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

hausted state of body was sensibly felt; yet I afterwards found 
from the testimony of others, that the power of the blessed Truth 
had been felt amongst them : let the Lord be glorified and let them 
rejoice : but the feelings and the sentence of the unprofitable ser- 
vant most certainly were mine. 

" Spent an agreeable evening with the two families. From the 
vast quantity of rain which falls on this side the island of Hawaii, 
the dampness of every thing in and about the houses is extreme : 
the bed we laid on would have been very justifiably considered in 
England, not fit for those who have any regard for their health, 
but we had no alternative, and after using all the means we pos- 
sessed to prevent being injured, we ventured to risk it, and were 
favoured to witness no ill effects in the morning, though our cloth- 
ing was as if it had been hung in the midst of steam during the 
night. We were, however, glad to see the light of the returning 
morning to liberate us from the consequences which threatened. 

14th. "Being desirous of returning to the coast as soon as cir- 
cumstances would allow, we rose early in the morning, and after 
breakfast it was concluded by the missionaries (who had the option 
of directing the movements of the ' Missionary Packet') that in- 
stead of proceeding round the southern part of the island to Byron's 
Bay, where Hilo is situated, she should sail immediately for Kai- 
rua and Kalakakua Bays, and return with the mission families from 
those stations back again to Kowaihai Bay, when, if the two fami- 
lies residing here were ready, they would accompany their brethren 
to the island of Oahu, to be in readiness for the approaching annual 
meeting of the whole mission about to take place. 

" By this measure the missionary families at Hilo were left en- 
tirely at our disposal, which at once removed every doubt of being 
able to speak to the people. How bountifully are we dealt with 
by Him who ' openeth his hand and satisfieth the desire of every 
living thing.' At nine A. M. taking leave of Waimea we made 
the best of our way to the coast, expecting to put to sea the same 
evening, but the night proving rainy and rough, it seemed best for 
us to remain under the shelter at present afforded by the projecting 
land in the neighbourhood of Koala. 

15th. {First-day.) "From the state of the weather, it is pro- 
bable if we had remained at Waimea but few of the people would 
have attended the meeting to-day. Twice in the course of the day 
our seamen were assembled for devotional purposes, as we had no 
communication with the shore ; although I thought if an interpre- 
ter had been present some of the straggling natives might have 
been collected together. At sun down got under weigh, and pro- 
ceeded towards Koala with a light breeze, but on opening the 
mouth of the passage, between the islands, we found great plenty 
both of wind and sea. We stretched off the land until two o'clock 
in the morning, and then stood towards Hawaii again, under dou- 
ble-reefed canvass, anticipating that before we could possibly reach 



DANIEL WHEELER. 207 

any of its stupendous crags the day would have sufficiently dawned 
to expose them to our view. 

16th. " Employed through the day endeavouring to beat through 
the passage formed by the islands of Hawaii and Maui, about twenty 
miles wide, with rough blowing weather, and the trade wind di- 
rectly opposed to our course. Maintained a central position be- 
tween the islands during the night, but gained very little ground. 

17th. "Early in the morning stood in for Hawaii — the weather 
rainy through the day; at six o'clock, P. M., stood off again for the 
night. Torrents of rain appeared to be falling all the day upon 
the mountains of Hawaii : twenty-six different cascades were 
counted at one time rushing towards the ocean down the rocky 
cliffs : every part of the island which we have seen seems to con- 
sist of huge masses of volcanic substance, and the leeward side, 
in appearance, is truly dreary and barren. 

18th. " After beating to and fro through the night the weather 
became more gentle, but the wind was so fickle that there seemed 
no probability of our rounding the point that forms one side of By- 
ron's Bay, at the bottom of which, stands the village and mission- 
ary station of Hilo. In the course of the day, made several ad- 
vantageous tacks close in with the shore, there being no appearance 
of broken water on the margin of the coast. The weather proved 
much more bright and favourable than we had anticipated, in con- 
sequence of having heard a well attested fact related to us at Oahu 
by a missionary who had formerly dwelt some years at Hilo, that 
while residing at that station there were only six days wholly with- 
out rain during the space of two years, as by record duly kept of 
the weather. Fifty-six cascades of water pouring off the land 
into the sea were in sight at noon to-day. At eight o'clock, P. M., 
moderate breezes from the eastward with a considerable swell of 
the sea from the northward. This evening, whilst under feeling of 
poverty and weakness, I was reminded, that this day the Yearly 
Meeting of Friends at large sat down in London. This brought 
afresh my dear brethren and sisters who are endeavouring to do 
the will of our heavenly Father, very near to me in the covenant 
of life and peace; and a belief that we ourselves shall not be for- 
gotten by some who compose that large assembly, when drawing 
nigh in spirit to the footstool of mercy and love, is very precious 
and animating though removed from them almost as far as the east 
is from the west. But although thus outwardly severed from each 
other, we have a never-failing source of comfort and consolation 
in knowing, that the one great and heavenly Parent of the universe 
is equally near unto us all, that in Him we Hve, and move, and 
have our being, and that his tender mercy is over all his works ; 
of which my only earthly treasure, and my all on the solitary 
plains of Shoosharry, form a part. May the blessing of the Most 
High be felt through the power of the Holy Spirit to rest richly 
upon us all ; then shall we be in that glorious unity which inherits 



208 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

life and that for evermore, from which nothing can separate, be- 
cause it is in the love of God, in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

" Having had of late a number of letters handed to us by way 
of introduction from one missionary to another, in order to pro- 
cure the needful aid from station to station, I have thought it 
might afford satisfaction to others, to know how we stood in their 
estimation, after having sojourned nearly five months within their 
borders on the Sandwich Isles. As they are all of the same tenor, 
a copy of one may suffice for the whole." 

" Copy, dated April 23d, 1836. Rev. David B. Lyman, Titus 
Coan. 

" Dear Brethren, 

" Allow me the pleasure of introducing to you our friends, 
Daniel Wheeler, a minister of the Gospel, of the Society of 
Friends, and his son Charles Wheeler, who, on an errand of be- 
nevolence to the dwellers on the isles of the Pacific, have visited 
this quarter, to co-operate in the work of our Master, in turning 
men from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto 
God. I have had the pleasure of interpreting repeatedly the warm, 
earnest, and evangelical appeals of Daniel Wheeler to our people, 
and presume you will feel it a pleasure to assist him in a similar 
way, for the furtherance of his object, and otherwise facilitating 
their intercourse with the chiefs and the people, and cheering their 
toil in a long and expensive voyage. 

" Affectionately your brother, 

" Hiram Bingham. 

" Honolulu, Island Oahu." 

19th. " The wind continuing still unfavourable, kept us plying 
to get to the eastward, as diligently as circumstances would per- 
mit. Towards midnight, the flashes from the great volcano illu- 
mined the atmosphere, and at times had the appearance of a sta- 
tionary light on that part of the coast. At three o'clock, A. M., 
it visibly spread and increased its light, but was eventually lost 
sight of in the beams of returning morning. Having made a suc- 
cessful in-shore slant during the night, at breakfast-time weathered 
the northernmost point and edged away for Byron's Bay, the wind 
now shifting more and more in our favour. At half-past two 
o'clock, P. M., dropped an anchor in seven fathoms water, behind 
a small reef, which affords a good shelter from the swell occa- 
sioned by the usual trade-wind, which though constantly blowing 
in, during the day, through the wonderful provision of an all-wise 
and all-merciful Providence, never is permitted to blow hard for, 
at least, nine months out of the twelve, which seasons are pretty 
well ascertained. During the intervals of unsettled weather, no 
vessel would be warranted in attempting to seek shelter here. In 



DANIEL WHEELER. 209 

the afternoon, a double canoe came off from the shore, and re- 
turned again loaded with stores which our vessel had received 
from the ' Missionary Packet' at Kowaihai Bay, and collected at 
other places since leaving Oahu. Taking our pilot Sugar-Cane for 
a guide to that part of the strand the most free from surf, Charles 
and myself landed and made our way towards the mission-house, 
meeting with David B. Lyman and Titus Coan before reaching 
their abode. Both the families assemble'^ at David B. Lyman's, 
where we partook of some refreshment. 

20th. " This morning the principal chief and his wife came on 
board to breakfast, and staid our reading. This chief is descend- 
ed from the late Tamehameha, and certainly, if bulk and w^eight 
can add dignity to high birth, this female is a first-rate chiefess, 
and we are told that her rank is considerably higher than that of 
her husband. On leaving us, she very uncourteously took to 
herself the power of proclaiming the * Henry Freeling' under 

* Tabu,' when the natives who had come on board with shells, 
eggs, &c., to barter, immediately sprung into their canoes, and 
pushed off from the vessel. Through the medium of Sugar-Cane, 
we were made to understand that all traffic could now only be 
carried on at a sort of market upon the shore. On inquiry made 
afterwards, it appeared that this woman had not the power of pre- 
venting the natives from trading, and that she had ventured to 
usurp this authority, in the hope of monopolizing the whole traffic 
to herself. It happened, however, that we were not in want of 
many supplies, some hogs and vegetables only being required, we 
not intending to recruit our stock of fuel at this island, on account 
of the extra risk to the vessel which delay might incur in such an 
exposed roadstead, particularly as w^e were not in immediate want. 
In the afternoon, David B. Lyman and Titus Coan came on board; 
we returned with them to the shore, and after a walk to an old 
crater not far distant, took tea at Titus Coan's, where the other 
family joined us. At nine o'clock in the evening, the flames of the 
volcano gave the atmosphere an unusually bright tinge of light. 

21st. " This morning the circumstance of the vessel being 

* Tabu'd,' was fully ascertained to be enforced, with a view to ex- 
clude the natives from a share in the traffic, and no other than 
an unauthorized violation of their privileges, against w^hich, we 
thought it right to make a stand. A person who could speak a 
Httle English came on board, at an early hour, with a present of a 
fowl and some potatoes from this said chiefess. I told him it was 
a pity she had been at the trouble of sending them off, as presents 
were things we did not accept, and therefore, must pay for what 
he had brought with him. It seems this man was told to inform 
us, that if we accepted the present, it would be considered that 
the chiefess was entitled to furnish what supplies might be want- 
ed ; but if these terms were not acceded to, and the present was 
declined, he was then to return to the shore to know its value, and 



210 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

the price was to be sent off by a native then upon the deck, who 
was pointed out, that he might be known again by us : this man 
soon brought us word that the price was a quarter dollar, which 
was paid forthwith, to preserve peace and put an end to the mat- 
ter. The man who brought off the present was highly gratified 
at our declining the terms altogether, and there is no doubt but the 
affair soon gained publicity, as canoes kept coming through the 
day with fowls, turkies, cabbages, bread-fruit, pine-apples, water- 
melons, &c., in an undisguised manner. We afterwards fully as- 
certained that this arbitrary proceeding was a violation of the laws 
of the island, no person whatever, but the governor, John Adams, 
alias Kuakini, having the power of interfering with the traffic car- 
ried on by the inhabitants ; yet such is the servile state of these 
poor people, from having been trained from infancy to view their 
chiefs as a superior race of beings to themselves, that they would 
patiently have borne this act of oppression, if it had met with our 
sanction. Drank tea at David B. Lyman's, who has kindly under- 
taken to accept the office of interpreter between myself and the 
people to-morrow. Notwithstanding I have now stood before so 
many thousands of these islanders on both sides the Equator, yet 
the prospect of to-morrow is formidable in my sight , and if the 
weakness of human nature was not thus witnessed and felt, there 
would, I believe, be a danger of our not sufficiently and devotedly 
seeking after, and imploring the strengthening influence of that 
power, without which ' we can do nothing,' but with it all things. 
May the Lord be our helper, and cause his own works to praise 
him, to the glory of the riches of that grace which came by Jesus 
Christ. 

22nd. {First-day,) " This morning felt as has uniformly been 
the case, when about to meet the first time with a large body of 
the people at a fresh place, but was comforted from believing that 
we should be remembered by some at a time and ' place where 
prayer is wont to be made,' where the Lord is in the purified tem- 
ple, the earthly nature silent, and the heavenly Intercessor's only 
availing help experienced. Attended the meeting at the time 
fixed. Sat as one that had lost all strength, until David B. Lyman 
had nearly finished reading the morning meeting's certificate, when 
I seemed ready, and only waiting the termination of the concluding 
paragraph to stand upon my feet, with my mind centred and the 
fear of man banished far away. After the people were requested 
to settle down in stillness, and endeavour to draw nigh unto the 
Lord with humble reverence, I was strengthened to declare 
amongst them the way of life and salvation, in the word of the 
truth of the Gospel, in the love of which my heart was greatly 
enlarged. Repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord 
Jesus Christ, the only way to obtain forgiveness of sins that are 
past, and freedom from the thraldom of sin in future, were largely 
pointed out, and the light of the Holy Spirit of Christ Jesus, which 



DANIEL WHEELER. 211 

shineth in every heart, as the only blessed medium by which this 
path is made manifest, by reason of the darkness which prevail- 
eth in man, while held in a benighted, carnal, and unregenerate 
state, in bondage to the power of Satan, the prince of darkness. 
The burthen which rested upon my mind was, that the people 
might be delivered from this power of darkness, and translated 
into the kingdom of the dear Son of God, through the shedding 
of whose precious blood our redemption is sealed, even forgiveness 
and remission of sins that are past, and an interest mercifully 
granted to us in that Holy Advocate, always present to plead with 
our heavenly Father, the weakness and infirmity of our nature, 
for the time to come, for all those who, in belief and obedience, 
are wiUing to come unto God by Him. Such, and such only, are 
turned *from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan 
unto God,' the judge of all, through the blood of Jesus Christ his 
Son, which cleanseth from all sin.' The meeting was not so large, 
we were told, as at some other times, but the people were very 
attentive, and bowed down under the mighty hand of Him whose 
power reigned over all. After the meeting broke up, we attended 
a * Sabbath School' for Bible scholars, of all ages and both sexes. 
It commenced with a prayer by a native teacher, and finished with 
another from one of the missionaries. 

" We partook of some dinner with Titus Coan and wife, as I 
felt an engagement to attend the native meeting again in the after- 
noon. It began at three o'clock, and I had again to testify of the 
Gospel of grace and truth which came by Jesus Christ, and that 
of his fulness we have all received, and grace for grace, from 
which, such is the universal love of God, none are excluded. 

23d. " By a canoe that came paddling round the vessel, it was 
ascertained that the tabu was still enforced, and the natives though 
invited on board, thought it safest to keep aloof. Before noon a 
person was sent to inform us that sundry articles were in the 
market for sale ; but it being found they belonged to the chiefess as 
before, he was told that nothing would be purchased belonging to 
her, at the same time it was stated, that if the natives had anything 
to sell, we would buy from them what was wanting. In the after- 
noon landed, and visited a magnificent and stupendous waterfall, 
called the ' Cascade of the Rainbow.' The sun was hot and the 
walk fatiguing, but the exercise was needful before again putting 
to sea, as from the wetness of the weather since anchoring in the 
bay but little had been obtained. We passed by three distinct 
craters, situated in a line stretching inland from the shore, appa- 
rently at exact distances from each other, and the same size and 
shape in every particular, all declaring the wonderful works of the 
one same Almighty power. The cascade of the rainbow exceeds 
the description given of it, and at once excites wonder and admi- 
ration, exhibiting a mighty torrent of foaming water in perpetual 
roar, rushing down a perpendicular steep of more than one hundred 



212 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

feet into a basin of sufficient magnitude to receive this never-ceas- 
ing deluge. At the back of the fall, towards the bottom, a large 
arch is formed probably by the rushing torrent; and the enormous 
weight of water falling such a depth, causeth a mist to arise two- 
thirds of the whole height of the surrounding cliffs, and which, 
with the sun in a certain position, gives birth to the name of the 
cascade, by displaying a beautiful rainbow. While Charles was 
engaged in taking a sketch of the outhne of this sublime spectacle, 
I placed myself on a stone in its front, surrounded by nine of the 
natives, who seemed not fully satisfied without being so near as to 
touch me occasionally in huddling together. One of the oldest of 
these, took no small pains to make me understand that in former 
days, when there was plenty, plenty of water, (probably after great 
rain) little native children were hurled by their parents into this 
rainbowed gulph to check the increase of population. Afterwards, 
on mentioning to the missionary, Titus Coan, what I supposed this 
native meant, describing, as well as I could, some of his actions 
and words, he said, that the construction I had put upon them was 
correct. Not feeling any thing to detain me further upon this 
island, we look forward to leave this interesting bay to-morrow 
night, when the land-breeze comes off the mountains, for the island 
of Maui, and expect to take with us the two missionary families 
so far on their way to their annual meeting at Oahu. They will 
probably escape a portion of sea-sickness by not coming on board 
until near the time of sailing, as the motion of our vessel is inces- 
sant, from the constant swell of the ocean, which ranges round 
the reef into the bay. It compels us to keep every thing secure 
nearly as much as at sea. 

24th. " To-day, procured what supplies were needed. In the 
afternoon took exercise on shore, and towards sun-setting the bag- 
gage was embarked in a double canoe, which, with the assistance 
of our boat brought off both the families and ourselves, with two 
native servants. About eight o'clock, P. M., the mountain breeze 
sprung up, when the vessel was got under weigh, but the wind 
soon became lighter and lighter, and the great wash of water off 
the land, and out of the rivers, combined to sweep us towards the 
reef: before ten o'clock the water began to grow shallow, and 
diminishing from ten to three fathoms, obliged us to anchor for the 
night. The hollow ground swell upon the edge of the reef caused 
violent and constant rolling, without a possibility of preventing it 
while confined in that position. 

25th. " Soon after eight o'clock, A. M., the sea-breeze made its 
appearance, but before setting in, a canoe came paddling off in 
great haste to reach the vessel with a couple who were desirous of 
being married before the departure of the missionaries from the 
coast ; but having neglected to obtain the permission of the prin- 
cipal chiefess, this could not be accompHshed. There was no al- 
ternative but that of returning again to the shore about three miles 



i 



DANIEL WHEELER. 213 

off to obtain the needful sanction, and having been told that we 
should not wait for them if the wind should spring up in our fa- 
vour, they paddled off again with all the speed in their power. 
Before the wind was strong enough to warrant the risk of getting 
under weigh and clearing the reef, this canoe was seen again re- 
turning to the vessel from the shore. They would gladly have 
been married in their canoe, but the motion was so violent that the 
parties could not possibly stand upright while the missionary per- 
formed the usual ceremony. They were then taken on board, and 
to make it easy to both parties, were brought down into the cabin, 
where the rite was performed by one of the missionaries demand- 
ing answers to several important questions, and the other offered 
up- a prayer. The captain, mate, and ourselves, were witnesses of 
this curious exhibition, the vessel rolling about in such a manner 
that they were forced to hold themselves by the table and each 
other, when they stood upon their feet : they were both drenched 
by the sea that had washed into the canoe, that measures were 
necessary to clear the cabin floor from the quantity of water 
upon it, after the ceremony was concluded. The husband was 
clothed with a European shirt, and a belt round him, and his wife 
with a loose cotton robe, which reached nearly to the floor, which 
comprised the whole attire of the parties. I felt a degree of satis- 
faction at what had transpii'ed, and to myself, our detention last 
evening was accounted for. Nothing short of a fear let in by some 
on board of losing the vessel upon the reef, would have induced a 
willingness to anchor for the night to avoid the apparent danger 
that seemed to threaten. There was a fresh breeze about mid- 
night, but from the quarter it blew the risk was too great to make 
it available, from our nearness to the reef at the time. On looking 
over all the circumstances of the case, there seemed a providence 
in it that these poor people might be saved the temptation of vio- 
lating the laws of their country by an illegal procedure, without 
waiting the return of the missionaries, which might be most of two 
months. A marriage thus consummated upon the mighty waters, 
is not an every-day transaction, and especially, as I humbly trust 
it may be said, in a place of worship, which the cabin of the 
* Henry Freeling' has been in many instances, as well as a place of 
prayer and praise, from whence the spiritual sacrifice has, we hope, 
at times acceptably ascended unto God through Jesus Christ, 
though we be as nothing in his sight, and in our own, utterly un- 
worthy of the least of all his tender mercies. 

" We witnessed last evening a scene, in the embarkation of the 
two missionary families, both affecting and highly interesting. — 
As the moment for their leaving their habitations approached, the 
natives crowded into their houses to take leave of them. As the 
train proceeded towards the beach, the company increased to a 
large number, perhaps hundreds. When arrived at the edge of 
the cliff, there was a solemn pause and a prayer was eventually 

19 



214 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

offered up by D. B. Lyman ; after which, the final separation took 
place. The people seemed to consider us also as their friends about 
to leave them, and extended their good wishes, shaking hands very 
freely as we retired to the boat. Some of them assisted us to 
launch into the surf, and I have no hesitation in believing, would 
have risked their own lives to save ours. How different the pre- 
sent state of things, to what they were when these shores were 
visited by the first navigators of the Pacific : but what might the 
situation of the simple hearted natives have been at this day, if 
only men of Christian principles had trod their soil, instead of the 
wicked and barbarous crews of our shipping, who have committed 
every possible excess and outrage, shameful and brutal, upon these 
helpless islanders, to the lasting disgrace and infamy of the white 
skin. After the married couple left our vessel, we sailed from 
Byron's Bay, with a delightful breeze in our favour for the island 
of Maui. 

26th. " As we lengthened our distance from Hawaii the breeze 
freshened, and we made rapid progress through the night, wdth a 
strong south-east trade-wind upon the quarter and a following sea. 
At day-break, passed the small harbour of Wairuku, in the isle of 
Maui : the missionary families were entirely laid aside with sea- 
sickness from the time of their coming on board. In hauling round 
the point of the island, the wind became light, but a fresh breeze 
springing up from the south-west, enabled us to stem the current 
and reach the roads of Lahaina, soon after twelve o'clock, and 
anchor near to the American ship Newark, a whaling vessel put in 
for fresh provisions and vegetables. The smooth water having 
recruited our passengers, the men went on shore, but soon return- 
ed, bringing with them the resident missionary, WilKam Richards. 
The captain of the whaler coming on board at the same time, kind- 
ly made the offer of his boat, which conveyed all our passengers 
on shore at once, with ease. In the afternoon, Charles and myself 
landed and remained at the mission-house until sun-down. It ap- 
peared that William Richards and family had intended to leave 
Lahaina on the evening of the following day for Oahu, in a small 
schooner lying near at hand, this being the only opportunity likely 
to offer for their conveyance to that island in time for their annual 
meeting. Although I had not disclosed what was upon my mind 
to any one, yet I had long believed that I should not be clear of 
the Sandwich Islands, without making an attempt to see the whole 
of the missionary families when collected together for their annual 
meeting at Oahu, and it now sprung in my heart to tell William 
Richards, that if he would consent to remain at Lahaina, and assist 
me over the approaching first-day, I should feel myself bound to 
convey himself and family in time for their meeting at Oahu, if 
practicable, in the * Henry Freeling.' These terms being accepted, 
it was with me to inquire whether the missionary at the station of 
Wairuku, on the south side of the island, had sailed for Oahu ; and 



DANIEL WHEELER. 215 

finding there was considerable probability of his being still at his 
post, it seemed best to make the necessary arrangements for pro- 
ceeding thither without delay. A messenger was forthwith des- 
patched with a letter, requesting that the inhabitants of that district 
might be collected to-morrow, at the place of worship, as early in 
the day as was compatible with the local circumstances of the 
place. This being done, a whale-boat was procured from the go- 
vernor, Opeli, as the conveyance best calculated to accompHsh our 
object in contending with the wind and weather to be encountered 
in rounding one point of the island, where strong blasts prevail 
from the set of the trade winds during the greatest part of each 
year. In the evening returned on board the 'Henry Freeling.' 

27th. " By two o'clock A. M., the whale-boat manned with a 
native crew came alongside, and at the cock-crowing as agreed 
upon by all parties, we left the vessel properly equipped for the 
journey. The morning was serene and beautiful, and when the 
day broke, the wind began to rise and to increase as the day ad- 
vanced. On reaching the most critical point, the wind w^as so 
strong and the water so rough, that for a time it seemed doubtful 
whether the strength of our row^ers would hold out: they suc- 
ceeded however in getting under the shelter of the coast, but, not 
without all of us being well drenched by the spray of the sea. By 
eight o'clock, we reached the boundary aimed at, beyond which, 
the boat was of no further service, and here we landed and haul- 
ed it up, and the men corded the oars to a chain w^e had pur- 
posely brought with us. I was speedily furnished with a land con- 
veyance, and Charles being mounted upon a horse, appointed to 
attend at the place by the missionary at Lahaina, we pursued our 
route towards Wairuku, about eight miles distant, alternately walk- 
ing and riding for the relief of the bearers, as well as for a change 
of position. We got to our destination about noon, and were kindly 
received by the missionary family. While some refreshment was 
preparing, we visited the school, consisting of a large number of 
children of both sexes. The meeting gathered at three o'clock, 
which we attended accordingly : myself, in much weariness, and 
emptiness, but I was strengthened to stand up shortly after the 
reading of my certificates, and remind the people that we were in 
the presence of the Most High God of heaven and earth ; before 
whom ' the nations are as a drop of a bucket, — He taketh up the 
isles as a very little thing :' He not only seeth all our actions, but 
knoweth the most inward thoughts and imaginations of every 
heart. I was carried forward to unusual length, and without any 
prospect of drawing to a conclusion, the blessed truths of the Gos- 
pel unfolding in continued succession to the view of my mind for 
about an hour and a-half ; and I afterwards found that the meeting 
had kept increasing far beyond what was anticipated. It was to 
me a very memorable season, the Lord's power was over all, and 
I humbly trust His name was honoured and exalted, and the king- 



216 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

dom within proclaimed to the dear Redeemer's praise. The desire 
of my heart was, that the Gospel message might be ' glad tidings,' 
indeed, * of great joy' to these people, through ' repentance toward 
God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ,' wrought by believ- 
ing in the appearance of his Holy Spirit in the heart, and by the 
operation thereof cleansing and purifying from every thing that is 
offensive in the Divine sight ; that thus they might be made meet to 
be partakers of the inheritance with the saints in light, in the ever- 
lasting kingdom, of endless praise to the Lord God and the Lamb. 
My mind felt peaceful and refreshed, and the fatigue of the jour- 
ney was remembered no more. We had to shake hands with a 
large body of the natives between the meeting-house and the mis- 
sionary's dwelling. Aftc-r spending some time with the family and 
the night drawing on, we were compelled to renew our travel to- 
wards the place where the boat had been left in the morning, and 
though it soon became dark after leaving Wairukii, we succeeded 
in getting to the right spot. After the people had rested themselves, 
the boat was launched, and we were favoured to reach our little 
vessel about half-past one o'clock in the morning. It was to me a 
memorable day of goodness and mercy, and the more so, because 
the anniversary of my dear William's birth, which did not fail to 
kindle in my heart towards our heavenly Father, renewed desires 
for the welfare of my precious family. 

28th. " Engaged on board until afternoon, then landed and 
arranged with the missionary to meet the people at nine o'clock, 
on the following morning, at the prospect of which, I felt as a 
worm and no man ; but whither could I look for help but unto 
Him, who hath so often covered my head in the day of battle, for 
his great name's sake. 

29th. {First-day.) " Got some rest in the night, but was 
awakened early by the remembrance of the great weight of respon- 
sibility resting upon me, but the voice of my supplication was heard, 
and my prayer was not permitted to return again into my bosom 
in the hour of trouble. At this place we found a noble meeting- 
house, teeming full of people, both in the galleries and upon the 
ground-floor, more in number than two thousand, according to the 
missionary's statement : the will of the creature was laid low as 
in the dust, but I felt the comforting influence of that power whose 
* strength is made perfect in weakness,' to be nigh, though the 
earth trembleth and shaketh at the presence thereof. Though a 
stranger to the language of these people, I was sensible that my 
kind and wilhng interpreter took more than ordinary pains to im- 
press their minds with a belief that I had brought with me well 
attested letters of recommendation ; and as the name of ' William 
Ellis' was well known and remembered among them, he took care 
to state that I had a letter from him also, among others ; — and his 
competent knowledge and fluent expression of the language, while 



DANIEL WHEELER, 217 

it at once commanded attention, raised a degree of confidence, both 
in them and myself which was of a strengthening tendency. 

" On standing up I told them, although for the most part we 
were strangers and unknown to each other, yet we were all of 
one blood and members of the same great human family, and in 
the presence of the Almighty and everlasting Parent of the universe, 
* who seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward ap- 
pearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart ;' pointing out the 
necessity of our endeavouring to get into an humble waiting frame 
of mind, and be still ; that His power might be known and mag- 
nified and felt as a crown of solemnity over us. That I had come 
amongst them in the love of the Gospel — that same love of which 
the great Apostle spoke, when he said, * the love of Christ con- 
straineth us ; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then 
were all dead: and that He died for all, that they which live 
should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him, which 
died for them, and rose again.' Strong desires were raised in me 
and expressed, that these people might be brought to an acquaint- 
ance with the Holy Spirit of Him, ' who thus gave his life a ran- 
som for many:' that they might not only know and witness the 
preciousness of this Divine gift, but also the God and Father of 
our Lord Jesus Christ, who in love and mercy gave it ; who ' gave 
his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, should not 
perish, but have everlasting life.' I had to lay open some of their 
besetting sins as a people, and to point out the only way for their 
deliverance from the power of darkness by which they are bound, 
which is to believe in the light of Christ Jesus, which shineth in 
every heart, for this indeed is He, by his Holy Spirit, who speak- 
eth unto them, and telleth them all things that ever they did — that 
convinceth the world of sin, and by his light makes manifest every 
evil deed — every evil thought, and word, and leadeth man to re- 
pentance, whereby he is strengthened to forsake sin, and live unto 
Him, who died for us and rose again. It was with me to tell 
them that the day of their visitation was come ; and that salvation 
by Jesus Christ w^as freely offered to them that believe and receive 
it, and open the door of their hearts that the King of Glory by his 
Holy Spirit may enter in. Ability was richly afforded to exhort, 
warn, encourage, and beseech them to turn from darkness to that 
light which would show them their sins, bring them unto God the 
Father, and raise them up at the last day, to an inheritance with 
those that are sanctified by the like precious faith in his beloved 
Son. It was indeed a high day, a day of light, and joy, and glad- 
ness of heart, as when the Bridegroom's voice is heard. The 
meeting held long, and when over, we were invited to attend an 
EngUsh service to be conducted by Titus Coan, w^hich I was most 
easy to decline, and return forthwith on board the * Henry Free- 
ling,' to collect our own sailors. Some of the seamen of the Ame- 
rican whaler were present, and my mouth was again opened to 

19* 



218 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

speak of the way of life and salvation by Christ Jesus, unto this 
little gathering. Soon after three o'clock P. M., we again return- 
ed to the shore, to attend the afternoon native meeting. Not more 
than half the number of the people were present who had assem- 
bled in the morning. I had again to minister unto them ; but the 
current of life was weak in comparison to what had flowed so 
freely and strongly in the first meeting. The ' Gospel of the king- 
dom,' was again declared to them, and I trust the great name was 
magnified, by the praises of his own works, to his glory. After 
taking some tea at the mission-house, we again removed to our 
vessel for the night; as to myself, under the feelings of the unpro- 
fitable servant, being lamentably deficient and behind-hand in too 
many instances, in having done that which was my duty to do. 

" Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who only doeth 
wondrous things. And blessed be his glorious name forever; and 
let the whole earth be filled with his glory ; Amen, and Amen. 

30th. " In the forenoon, landed to purchase fruit, vegetables, 
&c., in the market appointed for the sale of these articles. Made 
a present of a small sized telescope to governor Opeh. William 
Richards having kindly furnished a lighf wagon, Charles and my- 
self proceeded to Lahaina Luna, where the high-school is establish- 
ed ; we were kindly received by the principals of this institution, 
who are missionaries, — specimens of the books which have been 
printed here, charts of the Sandwich Islands, and a general atlas, 
(the plates which these were taken from, being the work of the 
native scholars at this school,) were presented to us. The build- 
ings were undergoing alterations and repairs during the vacation, 
on which account the scholars had been dismissed some days pre- 
vious to our arrival. Returned on board soon after noon, but 
had some difficulty in getting safely through the surf, which had 
greatly increased since the morning, owing, perhaps, to its being 
about the top of the tide. At four o'clock P. M. the missionary 
families came on board, consisting of William Richards and wife, 
with eight children ; David B. Lyman and wife, and two children ; 
Titus Coan and wife, and an unmarried female in the employ of 
the mission, who, with the native servants and their wives and 
young children, amounted to twenty-three in number : the whale- 
boats of the American ship were procured for their embarkation. 

" At five o'clock the ' Henry Freeling' left the island of Maui, 
and after reaching the Morakai channel, the breeze forsook us, 
and we were left to tumble about all the night in a heavy swell. 
Nearly the whole of our passengers were sea-sick ; several of the 
females had with them sofa-beds, which were fixed upon the deck, 
and in which they remained the greatest part of the time they were 
on board. 

31st. " Having the advantage of a fine trade-wind in the course 
of the day, about five o'clock P. M. we anchored outside the reefs 
at Oahu in ten fathoms water. Having previously announced by 



DANIEL WHEELER. 219 

a white flag at the mast-head, when passing Diamond Hill, that 
missionaries were on board, a fine donble-canoe belonging to the 
king soon reached the vessel, sufficiently large to convey all our 
passengers to the shore at once, with their luggage, besides a num- 
ber of the natives who worked the paddles, and had been employed 
on the occasion. Just after this canoe left, a shark from eight to 
nine feet in length was taken by our sailors ; a large portion of 
this fish was sent on shore by the pilot, Sugar-Cane, for the use of 
his family. These islanders are so fond of the flesh of the shark, 
that it will always fetch a high price in the Oahu market, when 
offered for sale. 



CHAPTER XIV. 



Oahu— death of Captain Russel — annual meeting of the missionaries — meeting at Eva — 
meeting with the members of the mission — addressed by the senior missionary — sail for 
Tauai — native meeting at Koloa — sail for Hanarei mission station — native meeting — Wai- 
mea — purchasing supplies — oppression of the natives— final departure from the Sandwich 
Islands — letter from the missionaries — address to the missionaries. 

1st of Sixth month. "Early in the forenoon, the British Consul 
came on board in a whale-boat, and conveyed us to the shore, as 
our own small boat was in such a shattered condition from expo- 
sure to the sun, as scarcely to be fit to trust to for so considerable 
a distance, as from our present anchorage without the reefs to the 
town of Honolulu. After landing, proceeded to the missionary es- 
tablishment, and had an interview with the three missionaries from 
the island of Atooi, or Tauai, about ninety miles to leeward of 
Oahu, who had arrived yesterday in the ' Missionary Packet.' Our 
situation was fully explained to them, and it was, I believe, under- 
stood, that unless one of them would kindly accompany us to that 
island, our making an attempt to visit the people would be use- 
less. We remained on shore, until near dark, but were favoured 
to reach the vessel without difficulty, she having displayed a light 
as a beacon to guide us. Whilst on shore, we were informed that 
the neighbourhood of New Zealand had been visited, in the first 
month last, with an awful tempest, in which much damage had 
been done to the shipping ; that Captain Russel, of the American 
ship Zone, with whom we were personally acquainted, and to whom 
we were much attached, in endeavouring to save one of the sailors, 
had himself been washed overboard and lost. We met with him 
last year, at the Society Isle Huahine, and were much pleased with 
his serious and steady deportment. Several books and tracts were 
furnished by us for the use of the crew of his vessel, by whom he 
was much beloved. We were informed by the missionary family, 
that he had been much interested at the meeting that was held with 



220 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

the natives, which he had attended on the first-day morning. He 
had determined that that should be his last voyage, and so it has 
proved. I humbly trust he has safely entered a haven of eternal 
rest, where storm and tempest cannot come, nor pain, nor sorrow 
find place. 

2nd. " During most of the day I had to struggle with discou- 
raging circumstances, all perhaps needful, and conducing to keep 
the creature in its proper place. In the afternoon landed with a 
view to ascertain from Hiram Bingham, whether one of the Tauai 
missionaries had consented to accompany us to that island as in- 
terpreter. Hiram Bingham said an adjourned annual meeting was 
about to assemble, and it would afford a good opportunity of get- 
ting to know what had transpired on that subject. The bell soon 
rang, and we repaired to the meeting. At a vacant opportunity 
the subject was brought forward by Hiram Bingham, but nothing 
came of it, as several of the parties were absent. I was afterwards 
informed that one of the Hawaii missionaries was kindly disposed 
to accompany us, which I rather viewed with regret, from being 
aware that he would expect to be brought back again by our ves- 
sel. Our suspense was at last relieved by a proposition from one 
of the Tauai missionaries to go with us, and an assurance that he 
would be ready to depart before the final conclusion of the annual 
meeting. Although this might occasion two or three days delay, 
yet the saving of time would be considerable, when compared with 
the first offer, which would involve our having to return again to 
Oahu, against a relentless trade-wind, the effect of which had been 
fully tried. The circumstances of the case in all its bearings con- 
sidered, it seemed prudent to take the ' Henry Freeling' again into 
harbour, rather than risk her any longer outside of the reefs. It 
is no small trial to be thus delayed, but as it is not to gratify self 
that we linger on the way, the Lord knoweth, I trust we shall yet 
be able to redeem this apparent loss of time, and be favoured to 
improve the future to his praise. 

" Although the prospect which had been spread before the view 
of my mind, for some weeks previous to our return to Honolulu, 
of seeing the whole of the missionaries and their families when 
collected at their General Meeting, still remained strongly with me, 
yet the time did not seem come for me to take any steps to ac- 
compUsh the same, until we had fully ascertained that the whole 
of them had arrived. Those who were present at the opening of 
this General Meeting, concluded I was detained until an interpre- 
ter was ready to accompany us to the island of Tauai, and in a 
very kind and brotherly manner invited us to attend the several 
sittings of that meeting. The manner in which the affairs of the 
mission to these islands is conducted, could not fail to excite much 
interest in our minds, and although well aware that in our attend- 
ance at the meetings, we should be subjected to witness many 
things that we could not join with or unite in, yet as they had 



i 



DANIEL WHEELER. 221 

always allowed us to do that which was most easy to ourselves, 
without a single remonstrance, or the slightest appearance of dis- 
satisfaction on their part, I was not satisfied to let such an oppor- 
tunity pass away, however painful it might prove, or whatever 
portion of suffering we might have to endure, without availing 
ourselves of it; at the same time, the unmortified part would gladly 
have been excused altogether. 

3d. " This morning, one of the Tauai missionaries came on 
board to say, that he hoped to have his business in such a state of 
forwardness, as to enable him to return to that island before the 
final conclusion of the General Meeting. A light breeze having 
sprung up from the southward, soon after breakfast, the ' Henry 
Freeling' got under w^eigh and made sail for the harbour, and be- 
fore ten o'clock anchored off the fort. Being desirous of going to 
the mission-station at Eva, next first-day, application was made to 
know whether a missionary would return thither to meet the na- 
tives on that day ; but it appeared that the whole of them will re- 
main at Honolulu, on account of its being the usual time for the 
celebration of what is called the ' Lord's Supper.' We were in- 
formed that so few of the natives would remain within the com- 
pass of their own station, that a visit would be better deferred 
until next week. In the evening attended one of the General Meet- 
ings, and had to wade through a painful season therein. 

4th. " A leak before alluded to, (see page 195,) in our vessel 
still continuing, although considerably lessened since our getting 
her into still water, it was deemed prudent that such parts of 
her should be well calked, as were supposed to be implicated in the 
cause of her requiring so much pumping, while at the same time 
the needful repairs of the sails and rigging w^ere going forward, in 
the expectation of again crossing the Equator, when altogether 
clear of these islands. 

5th. {First-day.) " Remained on board through the day with 
our own people. In the evening repaired to the mariners' place of 
worship, where a time of suffering was my lot. 

10th. " Since first-day, my time has been pretty fully occupied 
in attending the different sittings of the General Meeting of the 
members of the mission, as they came in course, and in procuring 
the supplies needful for the vessel, in exchange for such articles of 
barter remaining in our possession, as were most in demand. 

" Having deferred going to Eva last week, as no interpreter 
could be procured, to-day, I w^ent in search of the missionary be- 
longing to that district, and found that he had procured a large 
canoe, with the intention of setting forward to-morrow morning at 
the proper time of the tide to enable us to pass in safety over the 
shallow places near the shore, and thus preclude the necessity of 
our being exposed to the swell outside of the reef 

11th. " In the afternoon, left the vessel and proceeded towards 
the Pearl river, at the head of which lies the station of Eva ; we 



222 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

were favoured to reach it in less than five hours, though our pro- 
gress was for some time impeded by the giving way of the out- 
rigger, but the natives soon sprung overboard and put it in order 
again. At this place, a prayer-meeting has been instituted among 
the natives, and sixteen of them collected in the evening in the 
place where we lodged : by what transpired, it appeared that this 
station has been but recently organized. 

12th. {First-day.) " Having retired early to rest last evening, 
we were seated at the breakfast table by six o'clock this morning. 
The horn was blown in good time to collect the people, and at ten 
o'clock we met about seven hundred of them in a shed open on 
every side, there being as yet no place of worship erected. I had 
largely to declare among them the glad tidings of the Gospel, 
turning their attention, as ability was afforded, to the just witness 
for God in every heart. Although under feelings of great weak- 
ness as to myself, yet the deportment of the people afforded an 
encouraging evidence that the Great Master was near to own the 
work. The afternoon meeting was not quite so numerously at- 
tended, but it proved even more solid than that in the morning. In 
this meeting I had to turn them from the teachings of men, to that 
Power, which alone can save. For ' none of them can by any 
means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him.' 
But the Almighty Father of love and mercy hath amply provided 
for the salvation of all mankind by his Son Jesus Christ, who came 
into the world to save sinners, and was ' made sin for us, who 
knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in 
Him,' who died to obtain for us the Holy Spirit, that we might 
live and come unto God by Him. The countenances of many of 
these dear people, spoke louder than words what they felt ; but 
weakness and poverty were my close companions, and yet I was 
favoured with peaceful tranquillity of mind. 

"Not being willing to wait until the next afternoon for the high- 
est time of tide to carry us over the shallows, and our interpreter 
wishing to return to his brethren assembled at Honolulu, it was 
concluded that by setting out at an early hour, we might venture 
with safety outside of the reefs, as the trade-wind seldom blows 
strong enough to occasion a sea until the sun gets hot. We left 
Eva at three o'clock this morning, the 13th instant, and got well 
on our way an hour before day-light, through the narrow rushy 
channel, which in places is overhung by the spreading boughs 
of large trees. Although there was very little wind, we were an- 
noyed by the swell of the Pacific, but were favoured to reach the 
* Henry Freeling' by eight o'clock. It had been to me a time of 
favour and a day to be remembered among the memorable ones of 
my chequered life, and the more so, when on looking back, it was 
discovered according to the time of England, to be a date on which 
I had more than once had to record the tender mercies of the Lord, 



DANIEL WHEELER. 223 

for signal and crowning loving-kindness bestowed upon a poor un- 
worthy creature. 

. " In the course of the day it was ascertained that the last of the 
missionary families had arrived to attend the General Meeting in 
a small vessel from Wairukii, and that the other family residing at 
Waimea, on the island of Hawaii, were prevented from attending 
by an increase of family since we were at their dwelling. The 
time was now fully come for me to request an opportunity with 
the whole of the members of the mission, and in the evening I 
stated my case to the senior missionary, who appeared quite dis- 
posed to make way for it, by consulting his brethren at a meeting 
then about to collect, to which we repaired. Most of two hours 
elapsed before a suitable opportunity presented to spread the sub- 
ject before the meeting, but when once understood, my request 
was immediately granted, and the next evening at half-past seven 
o'clock, was fixed for us to meet together. 

14th. " Employed on board through the day. In the evening, 
called upon Hiram Bingham who accompanied us to the meeting. 
I was shown into the moderator's seat, and the company was soon 
gathered together. After some time in silence, it was with me 
simply to state, that on leaving Honolulu a few weeks ago, I had 
no expectation of returning to it again, but some time afterwards 
I found that I should not be clear of these parts without endeavour- 
ing to see the whole of the missionary establishment in its collected 
capacity. At that time it seemed difficult to comprehend how it 
would be brought about, but I felt a willingness and resignation on 
my part towards its accomplishment: He that causeth his wind to 
blow, and the waters flow, directed our steps and brought it to 
pass. As it is probable (I continued) that all are present that will 
be on the occasion, I would suggest that we now endeavour to 
sink down in humble reverence of soul before ' the Judge of all the 
earth,' to wait for the counsel of His will ; and, if graciously 
favoured therewith, endeavour to do it, to his praise and to his 
glory. The meeting then settled down in silence and remained for 
a considerable time under a solemn covering, until I had to speak 
of the order in the church of Christ, and of the preparation of heart 
which every member must pass through by the operation of the 
Holy Spirit, before he can become a part of this glorious body, 
that is without spot or wrinkle ; and the necessity of our indivi- 
dually knowing for ourselves the hope of our high and holy calling. 
It was afterwards with me to state, the opportunity I had had of 
seeing them in their different, distant, solitary and secluded allot- 
ments, and of witnessing their patient endeavours to promote the 
work in which they were engaged. Having myself dwelt amongst 
those whose language I could not understand, I was the better able 
to feel for them on this account with brotherly sympathy ; and I 
was no stranger to the many obstacles thrown in their way, and 
the numerous difficulties that they had to encounter ; and that their 



224 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

only refuge was Christ Jesus the Lord ; but if He was with them, 
they had nothing to fear, though ' the heathen should rage, and 
the people imagine a vain thing, the kings of the earth set them- 
selves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and 
against his anointed.' ' He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh : 
the Lord shall have them in derision.' 1 had no desire to dis- 
courage any, but while beholding the vast importance of the work 
they had taken in hand, I was ready to tremble at the awful 
weight of the responsibility which rested upon them. It was not 
for me to judge whether they had been called and chosen for the 
work, or not. I knew that our Lord had declared, ' this Gospel of 
the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto 
all nations ; and then shall the end come.' Their being called or 
not called 'to the work, rested with themselves. But there is a 
possibility for a man to have a zeal for God, but not according to 
knowledge ; and while earnestly endeavouring to lend a hand of 
help to others, he may be neglecting the all-important duty of 
coming to the knowledge of the Lord for himself. I believed that 
many of them were truly and earnestly desirous to know the Lord 
for themselves, and I wished to encourage such to follow on to 
know Him: to seek Him, and not to rest contented until they 
found Him, who said, ' seek and ye shall find.' < The Lord 
whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the mes- 
senger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold. He shall 
come, saith the Lord of Hosts. But who may abide the day of 
his coming, and who shall stand, when he appeareth?' Nothing 
that is of man, or in man, that is earthly, sensual or unclean, can 
stand before Him : the heart must be cleansed and purified from 
every thing that defileth, before it can become the temple of a holy, 
pure, and just God ; and none is sufficient for these things but He, 
unto whom all power in heaven and earth is given, who, the pro- 
phet declares, is ' like a refiner's fire, and like fuller's soap, and 
He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.' This heart-search- 
ing process we must all pass through and witness ; and by yield- 
ing in meekness and submission to the baptizing operation thereof, 
we shall in due time be given to know and to feel it to be the 
* messenger to prepare the way of the Lord' before Him, who will 
not dwell in the defiled temple of an unclean heart. This ordeal 
all have to pass through in a greater or smaller degree, before 
they come to that knowledge which is * life eternal,' even the 
knowledge of ' the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom he hath 
sent ;' who once visited the earth in a body that was prepared for 
Him, but who now visiteth by his Holy Spirit the heart of man : 
who is indeed the heavenly messenger of the covenant to all that 
seek him, and delight in him, and whose coming is sure, because 
the Lord hath promised. But to those who are called and chosen 
to speak to others in the name of the Lord, and to proclaim the 
glad tidings of that Gospel which ' is the power of God unto salva- 



DANIEL WHEELER. 225 

tion, to every one that belie veth/ a larger portion of the ' refiner's 
fire' is often needful, to purge them as gold and silver, and prepare 
them for the great work of declaring ' the truth as it is in Jesus,' 
from their ov^^n blessed and sensible experience. Just in propor- 
tion as the Lord's messengers are. qualified and taught of Him, 
when commissioned to go forth in his name, may we expect that 
the people will be benefitted: if our eyes are not first opened, vain 
is the attempt to open the eyes of the blind, and turn them from 
darkness to light. I was largely drawn forth to speak of the vast 
importance of the work in which they had engaged, and to arouse 
them to a sense of the responsibihty it involved ; recommending 
them to take counsel of the Holy Spirit of the Lord Jesus, for the 
same shall judge us at the last day. I had much to express to 
them in great plainness of speech, under the overshadowing power 
of that love which maketh not afraid — reminding them of the 
many blessed seasons we had been permitted to witness together, 
on the different islands, when the Divine presence was as a crown 
and diadem over those large assemblies of the people. In the 
course of the time, that ' faith which works by love,' and the true 
supper of the Lord, were largely held up to their view. 

15th. " Taking the necessary measures to prepare the vessel 
for sea. — In the evening, met the whole of the missionary establish- 
ment again ; when the senior, on behalf of his brethren and him- 
self, delivered an address, on the subject of our visit to these is- 
lands, in which he expressed their satisfaction in terms of applause, 
perhaps, better forgotten by us, than remembered. I was silent 
among them, but when the meeting broke up, I told the speaker, I 
could have added ' Not unto us,' &c. 

16th. " In the morning, Charles and myself took an early op- 
portunity of sitting down together and were favoured to get into 
the quiet, although all was bustle around us. In the afternoon 
went on shore to settle our affairs and take leave of those with 
whom we had now been several months acquainted, and for whom 
an earnest solicitude was felt. Soon after returning on board, we 
embarked the baggage of Peter J. GuUck, the missionary who had 
engaged to accompany us to the island of Tauai, and who resides 
at the station of Koloa, he, his wife, and five children, with the 
British consul and the master of the free school, were our passen- 
gers. The trade-wind being fresh in our favour, and having our 
pilot Sugar-Cane in readiness, at five o'clock we quitted the shelt- 
tering harbour of Honolulu and stretched well into the offing, in 
the hope of a permanent breeze, a good distance from the land. 
Having only ninety-four miles to run, an expectation was raised of 
our being in the roads of Koloa by ten o'clock the next morning, 
but the wind forsook us before midnight, and the island of Tauai 
was not discovered until too late for its accomplishment. 

17th. " Got sight of the island at three o'clock, P. M., and at 
six o'clock, anchored in the open roadstead of Koloa, just in time 

20 



226 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

to land our passengers before the night came upon us. Our ves- 
sel being observed approaching tov^ards the roads, a large canoe 
belonging to the missionary, was sent from the shore, vv^hich, by 
making three journies to and fro, succeeded in carrying the family, 
and the major part of their baggage, in safety to the land. Peter 
J. Gulick, with his wife and five children, remained on board, until 
their luggage was sent off, and were at last placed in the canoe, 
which, from the rolling of the vessel, and the incessant swells of 
the ocean, was no easy task to accomplish. The father having 
one of the young children to care for, could not render his wife 
the slightest assistance : the child cried, and he seemed very anx- 
ious lest an accident should happen : but his wife, (while hanging 
suspended, watching for the right moment, when the canoe coming 
up, borne by the swell, should rise high enough for her to get foot- 
hold sufficient to induce her to let go all hold of the vessel,) calmly 
cried out to him, * we must be patient my dear.' After two or 
three efforts, she ventured, and was received in the arms of two of 
the natives, and placed in tolerable security. The youngest child, 
which had for some time been held by the rough grasp of one of 
our sailors, was now, unconscious of the risk to which it was ex- 
posed, handed, with smiling face, over the side of our little reeling 
bark, in safety to its mother. Although this appeared a hazardous 
enterprise, demanding the utmost care, yet, I believe they were all 
safe, as in the hollow of the Divine hand. 

18th. " Landed on the island of Tauai and made our way to 
the missionary station. Having made the needful arrangements 
relative to meeting the people of this district to-morrow, I left my 
certificates with Peter J. Gulick, who kindly undertook to convene 
the natives. After visiting a sugar plantation in the neighbour- 
hood, conducted by Americans, we returned on board. 

19th. {First-day.) " Repaired in good time to the shore, having 
two miles to go to the native meeting, in the heat of the sun. By 
nine o'clock, about eight hundred of the people were assembled in 
an open shed. I was poor, and under feelings of great weakness 
amongst them ; but after reminding them of the solemn purpose for 
which we were brought together, (when the missionary had finish- 
ed reading the translation of my certificates,) the way was opened 
for me largely to declare the glad tidings of great joy, to all people 
that repent, believe, and obey the Gospel ; and to make a solemn 
appeal to the just witness for God in every heart. I felt an earnest 
engagement to turn the attention of these dear people to the Holy 
Spirit of the Lord Jesus, which would discover to them * all things 
that ever they did,' set their sins in order before them, and save 
them from sin with an everlasting salvation, &c. The people were 
very attentive, and under a solemn feeling the meeting broke up ; 
when they flocked round us in the usual manner. I found that on 
account of the weak state of the health of the missionary, no after- 
noon meeting was held, but the school was largely attended : on this 



DANIEL WHEELER. 227 

occasion, however, the people were again assembled for worship, 
at three o'clock, R M. I felt but little on my mind towards them, 
but was fearful of withholding that little, and stood for a time under 
much discouragement; strength was, however, in due time gra- 
ciously afforded, and I was enabled, to my admiration, to set before 
the people, * life and good, death and evil,' and to encourage them 
not to be overcome of evil, but to overcome evil with good. * Let 
every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity,' 
and * live unto him who died for them, and rose again,' and who 
now by the grace of His Holy Spirit, bringeth salvation to all men ; 
hath appeared unto all men, and teacheth all men, &c. Although 
the number of persons present was less than in the morning, yet 
the meeting was no less solemn. Returned on board before dark 
to lessen the risk of staving the boat against the vessel, as the 
constant swell of the sea renders access and egress at all times 
difficult, but much less hazardous by day-light. 

21st. " Yesterday and this morning pretty fully engaged in 
procuring vegetables, Indian corn, &c. In the afternoon went up 
to Koloa, to take leave of the missionary's family, he himself being 
to accompany us to Hanarei, a station on the other side of the 
island. Towards evening the needful supplies were obtained, and 
Peter J. Gulick, Richard Charlton, (the consul) with three or four 
natives were already embarked. At seven o'clock we loosed from 
the roads, and stretched away into the offing for the night, with a 
fresh gale, but directly opposed to the course we were desirous of 
steering. 

22nd. " On approaching the land again this morning, it was 
found that but little had been gained through the night, and unless 
the wind veered a little in our favour, there seemed no probability 
of our rounding the head-land which obstructed the passage to 
Hanarei. Employed in plying to windward all day, and by mid- 
night our position was such, that day-light only was wanted to 
sanction our taking the advantage of the bending of the coast to 
steer for the entrance of the bay. But when our object was nearly 
accomplished, the wind died away, and a strong current set the 
vessel so rapidly to leward, that for a time there seemed no pros- 
pect of our getting in at all : the breeze, however, rallied again, 
and helped us round the point of the reef, and by nine o'clock, 
A. M., an anchor was dropped in ten fathoms water in the midst 
of heavy rain. 

23d. " As vessels seldom touch here, our arrival soon brought 
off a number of canoes, and a supply of fresh fish; butter and milk 
were quickly furnished from the estate of Richard Charlton, who 
had sent an overland messenger from Koloa, to keep a good look- 
out for the vessel, and have these articles in readiness on our ar- 
rival. After breakfast, our kind interpreter, Peter J. Gulick, went 
on shore to examine into the state of the people, their own mis- 
sionary and his family being absent at Oahu, attending the general 



228 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

meeting of the mission. Some of our people were employed on 
shore in the forenoon, slaughtering a bullock from the stock of 
Richard Charlton, kindly provided for our accommodation in the 
expectation that the ' Henry Freeling' would return towards the 
Equator before many days. 

24th. " Our missionary friend came off from the shore at an 
early hour to inform us that the natives would be collected about 
half-past nhie o'clock. We landed with him in a large canoe, 
conducted by skilful natives, which carried us comfortably through 
the surf. As we approached the strand, the people collected in a 
body, and watching the return of the roller which bore the canoe 
a sufficient height for their purpose, it was placed in a few mo- 
ments very safely out of the reach of the breakers upon dry ground. 
The conch-shells were immediately sounded, and after waiting 
some time at the missionary-house, we proceeded to the meeting. — 
Here we found, perhaps, seven hundred people, all squatted upon 
the ground in stillness, (as no seats were provided,) waiting for the 
strangers. After a time my mind was opened to declare amongst 
therh 'Christ Jesus the Lord,' the hght of the knowledge of whose 
Holy Spirit visiteth every heart, to give the glory of God, in the 
face of Jesus Christ, and restore man from a state of sin and 
death, to holiness and newness of life, if believed in, and walked 
in. Strength and ability were richly afforded me, to testify the 
love and the mercy of God in Christ Jesus to the children of men ; 
and the people were exhorted to turn to this light, whilst the day 
of their visitation was extended, lest they should be overtaken by 
that night, wherein no man can work, &c. Although the people 
were very attentive, and great solemnity prevailed on the occa- 
sion, yet after the meeting broke up, as was the case with those 
held at Koloa, the sentence of death in myself was my only por- 
tion: at its conclusion they flocked round us in the usual way, 
many of them, I believe, with love in their hearts. At least one 
hundred and fifty accompanied us down to the strand, and saw us 
safely launched again into deep water. 

" In the afternoon, landed on the other side of the bay, and had 
full opportunity of witnessing the very low state of these poor de- 
graded people, and the filthy abodes of several of them. I ex- 
changed needles and fish-hooks for any thing they could furnish, 
even for broken shells, as they seemed to have nothing to part 
with, to purchase such articles as they stood in need of, and which 
they were very desirous to obtain. 

" At six o'clock P. M., prepared for sailing, and at seven o'clock 
departed from the bay, and made sail to the eastward with a fair 
breeze, and heavy showers of rain falling : towards midnight less 
wind. 

25th. " In the course of the day, much baffled with variable 
winds and strong currents — towards sun-set, anchored in five fa- 
thoms water, in the road of Waimea, opposite a fort, formed some 



DANIEL WHEELER. 229 

years ago by the crews, &c. of a Russian squadron. Soon after 
arriving, Peter J. Gulick went on shore to arrange for a meeting 
with the people to-morrow. In the evening, some milk was sent 
off from the missionary station ; its occupants, Samuel Whitney 
and family, are now absent at Oahu, with the rest of the mission. 
26th. {First-day.) " Landed in good time to attend the meet- 
ing. Richard Charlton undertook to conduct us through the surf 
with the natives, having acquired their language from long resi- 
dence among these islands ; we soon met with Peter J. Gulick, and 
proceeded to the meeting together. By nine o'clock, about one 
thousand persons were collected, who filled every part of the 
house, except a narrow gallery intended for singers, at the lower 
end of it. I felt as one stripped of every thing, but a sense of utter 
weakness and inability, which has been the case for several sea- 
sons of late ; and although the Lord was again pleased to try my 
faith, that my trust and confidence might be centered in Him 
alone, He again condescended to clothe me with strength and 
power to declare amongst the people, the unsearchable riches of 
Christ. Soon after Peter J. Gulick had read my certificates I stood 
up, and having awakened their attention and directed them to Him, 
unto whom the cattle on a thousand hills belong, I told them, I 
had no desire to multiply words amongst them, lest I should be 
found darkening counsel, but that my desire was to turn them from 
words, to the power of the Holy Spirit of the Lord Jesus, in their 
own hearts. My tongue was loosed to declare freely the things 
relating to the Gospel of the kingdom, for upwards of an hour. 
No people could be more attentive, — and my prayer is, that many 
of them may be enabled to say, from heart-felt living experience, 
' Now we believe, not because of thy saying : for we have heard 
him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour 
of the world:' — unto whom be ascribed glory and dominion for 
ever. After the meeting was over, I found that my interpreter 
was greatly exhausted by the fatigue he had had to pass through, 
although he offered to attend again in the afternoon ; but added, 
that the number of people would be much reduced, as no afternoon 
meetings are held, in the absence of the resident missionary ; and 
when at his post, the Bible class system is usually adopted. I told 
him, that if I came with a view to see the people again, I should 
take care to be on shore in time in the afternoon. The surf had 
increased since our landing in the morning, but we were assisted 
as before, by experienced and skilful managers. The weather be- 
coming wet in the afternoon, seemed to decide my remaining on 
board, having been informed that the islanders do not like to go 
out in the rain themselves, nor do they expect strangers to do it ; 
but more especially from not feeling it binding upon me to return 
to the shore again that day. On looking at the subject after the 
time had passed by, although in poverty and depression, I did not 
feel as one that had held back. Had there been a probability of a 

20* 



230 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

meeting being held, I was scarcely fit to attempt a second landing, 
from pain in my head. In the afternoon, read portions of Scrip- 
ture to our own crew. Late in the night, made a fair copy of a 
short address to the members of the mission, in the Sandwich Isl- 
ands, at the same time, acknowledging the receipt of a joint com- 
munication from them in their general meeting capacity, signed by 
all the members ; which will be hereafter noticed. 

27th. " Engaged procuring yams, pumpkins, with other vegeta- 
bles, and live stock, in the prospect of again steering towards the 
Equator. Found it expedient to hire from the natives a strong 
canoe, to assist our operations, as our own jolly-boat is now old 
and very crazy, and altogether unfit to contend with the surf upon 
this side of the island, even when in her best condition. On land- 
ing, we found a considerable body of the natives collected together, 
with a prodigious quantity of various sorts of vegetables, fruits, 
fowls, &c., intended as a present to our vessel. The missionary 
being present, there was no lack of an interpreter betwixt us. I 
told him that we could not accept of any thing as a present from 
these poor people, and even if we could, that the quantity before 
us upon the beach was greater than our vessel could take in with 
convenience ; at the same lime I would not object to take what 
might be useful to us, provided they would allow us to make a 
suitable return. 

" It appeared from the statement of the missionary, that the people 
were intending to build a new meeting-house at Koloa, by volun- 
tary contribution, and that as this was the case, the difficulty could 
be at once surmounted by the appropriation of the amount of the 
supplies which might be taken by us, to that purpose. To effect 
this, the articles we wanted were to be valued in dollar money, 
which enabled us to pay for them in such commodities as could be 
used in the building in question, as materials, or in the payment of 
workmen employed in erecting it. — Articles of clothing were much 
in demand for the latter purpose. The people, particularly the 
females, brought with them on this occasion many of the simple 
native productions of the island; with small quantities of shells, 
and other ornamental trifles in use among them in the days of 
grossest idolatry, but now laid aside. These articles were intend- 
ed as presents from individuals then present, so that each person 
received an equivalent for what they had to offer on the spot, and 
care was taken that an ample return was made to each of them. 
Needles, fish-hooks, and pocket combs, were eagerly sought after 
in exchange. Some native dresses were bought, in the shape of a 
morning robe for a female, made from the bark of the paper mul- 
berry tree, and with thread of their own manufacture : this circum- 
stance accounted for the brisk demand for large sized needles, to 
enable them to use their own thread, while a very small quantity 
of our thread was taken. These dresses were mostly purchased 
for scissors, but knives, combs, and other articles were in demand 



DANIEL WHEELER. 231 

for native cloth of stained colours. Returned on board to avoid 
the hottest part of the day, as the heat was extreme, and the re- 
flection from the white sand on the beach almost insupportable. 
As the sun declined, we landed again and pursued our barter trade 
until the natives began to retire from the shore for the night. — 
Crossed the river by canoe opposite the fort. Some years ago, 
the chiefs of this island had been prevailed upon by the Russians 
to place themselves under the protection of that nation, and on 
that score had ceded one-half of the island over to them. After 
this, the fort was erected ; the step altogether was found to be ob- 
noxious to some other powers, and the Russian government dis- 
claiming the action, as having been committed without any sanc- 
tion on their part, the scheme was abandoned altogether, and the 
blame cast upon its supposed projectors. Be this correct or not, 
the fort is still in existence. Cannon of other nations are to be 
seen in it, besides those of Russia, and several may be distin- 
guished to have come from England, by the G. R., &c. It is 
probable these may have been procured by the chiefs, or their own 
king, with a view to strengthen this place for the security of the 
island. 

28th. " To-day, for the most part employed in embarking yams, 
sweet potatoes, water melons, goats, &c., which had been pur- 
chased with barter goods. Some molasses had been spoken about 
to a Chinaman engaged as an agent here to an American master 
residing at Oahu, but finding that this article was entirely the gain 
of oppression, we decHned taking it on that account. — A few gal- 
lons were purchased at last from an American who had produced 
the sugar cane by his own labour, which wholly removed all diffi- 
culty on this head. On this island, it is said that the poor natives 
are more oppressed by the chiefs than on any other of the Sand- 
wich group. The introduction of two estabhshments for making 
sugar, in which the chiefs are connected, it seems probable will 
eventually be the cause of promoting a state of slavery as oppres- 
sive as that which has existed in the West Indies: the population, 
from this, and other much to be deplored causes, is rapidly decreas- 
ing, which is the less to be regretted, when the present state of suf- 
fering and oppression is considered. These sugar plantations were 
set on foot by two Americans. In one instance, the chiefs find all 
the labour, and have one half of the profit, — in the other, the pre- 
text is more plausible, as the natives are paid a small pittance for 
their labour, but the chiefs are compelled by contract to furnish a 
sufficient number of labourers for their share of the profit, for the 
sake of which, the contract is more rigidly enforced. This was 
spoken of as being conducted upon a fair principle, but we told 
them, nothing compulsory could be just. The missionary having 
left us and returned to his family at Koloa, we found the kind as- 
sistance of the British consul very useful in our transactions with 
the natives: 



232 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

"At the edge of dark, we had all on board, and only waited the 
land-breeze to waft us from the island. At nine o'clock, P. M., 
Richard Charlton left us, into whose hands were . committed our 
letters for England, to be forwarded from Oahu, by the first eligi- 
ble conveyance which might offer after his arrival there. 

" Our pilot, Sugar-Cane, was now paid off, and all things being 
settled, we took a final departure, and stretched off a south and 
by east course, from these interesting isles of the ocean, amongst 
which, more than half a year of our time had been expended. 
The best welfare of the inhabitants of the Sandwich Islands will 
be an object ever near and dear to my heart, and which, how- 
ever distantly separated as to the body, my spirit will earnestly 
crave. 

29th. " There being no probability of further intercourse with 
the natives in these parts of the globe, we now return to the true 
time of England, from which we digressed on our arrival at Oahu, to 
prevent mistakes: but the log book of the * Henry Freeling' under- 
went no alteration, and is now dated the 30th of Sixth month, 1836. 
(Fifth-day*) This morning, being fifty miles from Tauai, the loom 
of the island, under a bank of clouds, was but just discernible. — 
Cloudy weather, but a wind that enabled us to steer a steady course 
to the south south-east. 

"When on the point of leaving the harbour of Honolulu, at 
Oahu, when there could be no further communication between us 
and the parties concerned, a letter was received from the General 
Meeting of the American mission, signed by all the members, of 
which the following is a copy. I have subjoined it for the perusal 
of my dear friends, trusting that they will not permit its contents 
to transpire into improper channels. 

Copy^ dated Honolulu, June IQth, 1836. 

" Daniel Wheeler, 

" Dear friend, 

" We, the missionaries of the Sandwich Islands, feel ourselves 
happy to have the opportunity of reciprocating the kindness and 
sympathy which you and our young friend, your esteemed son 
Charles Wheeler, have manifested to us and our families during 
the period of five and a half months, while you have sojourned 
and laboured with us. We have hailed your arrival in this coun- 
try with gladness, and welcomed your visit to our stations with 
much pleasure. We have read your credentials from York and 
London with care, and have been cheered by the Christian spirit 
w^hich they breathe. We have been refreshed by your interesting 
account of the origin and progress of your enterprise, and by your 
earnest and repeated evangehcal appeals to our people. You have 
seen with what readiness of mind we have interpreted your dis- 



DANIEL WHEELER. 233 

courses to the people and endeavoured to facilitate your work. 
And we now tender you our thanks for your kind co-operation in 
our work, with which you have been enabled, by the great Head 
of the church, to favour us. Your design to preach 'the unsearch- 
able riches of Christ' in the isles and on the shores of this great 
ocean, for an indefinite but protracted period, at such a remove 
from the comforts of home and all you held dear on earth, must, 
we are aware, (for we are acquainted with the nature of the ser- 
vice,) be attended with sacrifices, toils, and cares, in which none 
but the Divine arm can sustain you. But this arm Divine has thus 
far sustained you. For this we would unite with you in thanksgiv- 
ing ' to the Father of lights, from whom cometh down every good 
and perfect gift ;' and with you would we rejoice in the assurance 
that it will sustain you still. Take courage, dear friend, and go on 
with your good work. Do what is in your power to pour the light 
of the sun of righteousness upon the people which sit in darkness, 
upon the tribes on whom the star-light of nature nightly shines, 
and upon the isles over which the day-star of grace has arisen. 
Accompanied and aided by your own beloved son, sustained and 
guided by the adorable Spirit of God; may you be enabled to do 
much to dry the fountain of intemperance and licentiousness which 
threaten such desolations in every quarter of the globe, and to 
hasten the universal diffusion of revealed truth. We bid you God 
speed, while you proclaim to perishing men the glad tidings of 
salvation through a crucified and exalted Saviour ; while with self- 
sacrifice and devotedness to Christ you labour * to turn men from 
darkness to fight, and from the power of Satan unto God.' Pray 
for us, that we may be found faithful in this work, and that the 
Gospel may have free course and be glorified. And now, as you 
are convinced that our Master calls you to leave us to prosecute 
the service you have to perform for Him in other isles and coasts, 
we bid you and your son an afl^ectionate farewell, and part with 
you as with valued friends whom we hope to meet in peace, when 
the sacrifices, and toils, and trials of a missionary life are ended. 
* The Lord bless thee and keep thee. The Lord make his face to 
shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee. The Lord fift up his 
countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. Not unto us, but to 
God be the glory.' Your affectionate friends," 

Signed, 

Asa Thurston, Ephraim Weston Clark, David B. Lyman, 

Hiram Bingham, Gerrit P. Judd, Ephraim Spalding, 

Samuel Whitney, Dwight Baldwin, Richard Armstrong, 

William Richards, Reuben Tinker, Cochraine Forbes, 

Levi Chamberlain, Henry Dimond, Wm. P. Alexander, 

Artemas Bishop, Sheldon Dibble, Edmund H. Rogers, 

LoRRiN Andrews, Titus Coan, Lowel Smith, 

John Smith Green, Henry H. Hitchcock, Benj. W. Parker, 

Peter J. Gulick, John S. Emerson, Edwin O. Hall. 



234 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

Copy of a JVote annexed to the above letter. 

" Dear friend, it gives me great pleasure to assure you and your 
esteemed son, Charles Wheeler, of my cordial concurrence with 
the members of the mission at these islands, in the expression they 
have made of their feelings toward you and the work in which you 
are engaged. 

" Affectionately your friend, John Deill, 

" Seamen's Chaplain, Sandwich Islands. 
" To Daniel Wheeler." 

An acknowledgment of the receipt of this document was sent to 
Oahu by the British consul, Richard Charlton, as before hinted at, 
a copy of which now follows, with the substance of what quicken- 
ed upon my mind to the members of the mission. 

" To the Members of the Mission at the Sandwich Islands." 

"Dear friends, 
" Your joint communication, replete with the expression of 
brotherly kindness and regard, was put into my hand just as we 
were quitting the shores of Oahu. Although utterly unmerited on 
my part, yet I feel compelled to accept it, from a belief in the 
purity of those motives by which it was dictated, while at the same 
time, the feeling is awakened that to me belongs only * blushing 
and confusion of face.' I rejoice in the opportunity so soon af- 
forded me to acknowledge its receipt, and more especially because 
I had felt my mind drawn towards you, before I saw its contents, 
desiring more and more that you may individually become ac- 
quainted with the binding influence of that love, which many 
waters cannot quench, * unto all riches of the full assurance of un- 
derstanding, to the acknowledgment of the mystery of God, and 
of the Father, and of Christ; in whom are hid all the treasures of 
wisdom and knowledge.' I desire for you, my friends, all that 
you can possibly desire for yourselves, believing that your princi- 
pal desire is to be true followers of Him who said, ' If any man 
will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross 
daily, and follow me.' These are the express and explicit terms 
of discipleship, to which unqualified obedience is required; and 
from which all reservations are inadmissible : let us examine then 
how far these indispensable conditions, are submitted to on our part. 
If we profess to follow the great and heavenly example of ' Him 
who died for us and rose again,' in which all the graces of earthly 
perfection are combined, in all our actions before men, let us, my 
friends, be complete, and do it also in all our words : let our lan- 
guage to and before men be like His. Surely we ought to be con- 
tent to use the language which he himself uttered and accepted of 
men. His words are pure words : they are wholesome words : 
and we ought to consent to the w^ords of our Lord Jesus Christ. 
Then let us be willing to follow the Lord of life and glory : if we 



DANIEL WHEELER. 235 

carry his example fairly out, our speech will bewray us and show 
that we are his disciples indeed : we shall find that this brings us 
at once to the foot of the cross ; the daily cross : without this we 
are strangers to the self-denying holy cross : and if we do not bear 
the cross, we can never wear the crown. Then let us not fear to 
confess our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, nor be ashamed of 
Him and his word, before men, remembering the awful declaration 
which bears upon all and applies to all, * Whosoever shall deny me 
before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in 
heaven ;' and * whosoever shall be ashamed of me and my words 
before this adulterous and sinful generation, of him also shall the 
Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his 
Father with the holy angels.' This has been put into my heart in 
love towards you : in the same love it is written, and in which I 
trust it will be received, from your affectionate friend, 

" Daniel Wheeler. 

" My son Charles unites with me in an assurance of grateful 
acknowledgment and regard for your kind remembrance of him. 

" P. S. The oppressed condition of the natives of this island is 
truly affecting, and prompts me to remind my constant friend, 
Hiram Bingham, of the address that was presented to the king, 
Kinau, &c., at his house, to whose care the printing of it was 
committed. 

" * Henry Freeling,^ in the road of Waimea, Isle of Tauai, 
27th of Sixth month, 18S6:' 



CHAPTER XV. 



Re-cross the Equator — Hervey Islands— land upon the Island of Roratogna — friendly re- 
ception — school — native meetings — the three mission stations — ^kindness of the natives — 
increase of population — remarks on leaving the Hervey Islands — letter from a native 
scholar — sail for the Friendly Isles. 

" Without entering into the particular details of the voyage, 
(which can be but of little interest to those on shore,) we directed 
our course towards the Equator, endeavouring as much as circum- 
stances would permit, to keep to the eastward, in the hope of fetch- 
ing the island of Roratogna, one of the Hervey Isles, which lies in 
latitude 21° 31' south of the line, and longitude 160°. After wit- 
nessing the usual variety of changes in the winds and weather, and 
the thunder-storms to which these latitudes are subject, we were 
favoured to cross the Equator about three o'clock in the morning 
of the 19th of Seventh month, in health and safety, and at noon 
were in latitude forty miles south ; longitude by lunar observation 
160° west. Not a single vessel was seen during the whole pas 



236 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

sage ; and although we must have passed near several of the islands 
scattered upon the surface of the ocean, both north and south of 
the line, yet none of them were sighted until first-day, the 31st., 
when at day-break in the morning, the island of Roratogna was 
discovered about seven leagues to windward of us. The morning 
was then calm, but at nine o'clock, A. M. we stretched away to 
the E. N. E. with a light breeze, there being no alternative but that 
of endeavouring to beat up to it, although it was a little mortifying 
to perceive, that the settled trade-wind blew directly from it. 
Having by dint of exertion gained ground, one of the missionary 
stations could plainly be discerned to leeward of the island on 
second-day afternoon. This was known by the appearance of a 
large building, which, with some others about it, was white-wash- 
ed, and had a neat appearance. We then stood to the southward 
until the other missionary station was visibly open to our view, 
and near enough to observe a number of the natives upon the look 
out, who had no doubt descried the approach of a strange vessel 
to their shores. As the wind still blew strongly against us, we 
could not get sufficiently near the coast to entice the canoes to 
come off before the night closed in ; so we hovered within a short 
distance of the island until the next morning, the 2nd of Eighth 
month: when, at an early hour, a boat was seen coming from the 
shore from the first station observed yesterday, which in due time 
reached the * Henry Freeling.' We were enabled to understand 
from our visiters, that we were off the station of Charles Pitman, 
the missionary, with whom and with his wife, we became ac- 
quainted at the island of Tahiti, last year. They were at that 
time in a weak state of health, and it seemed very doubtful whether 
they would ever be able (particularly Charles Pitman,) to return 
to the island of Roratogna. It was very satisfactory to find 
they were restored to their duty in improved health, more espe- 
cially as our way seemed at once fairly opened to enter upon this 
new scene of labour, by the means being thus marvellously pro- 
vided, as there was no other resident missionary at that time upon 
the island. I sent a note back by the boat to say, we were now per- 
mitted to greet them from the very edge of Roratogna, and only 
waited information, as to the practicabihty of our vessel finding a 
place of safe anchorage, &c. This boat was soon discovered to 
be again coming ofl^, and on near approach, Charles Pitman him- 
self, proved to be on board of her. We had scarcely time to con- 
gratulate each other after he had reached the deck, before he be- 
came sea-sick from the tossing of our vessel. As he was unable 
to converse, we concluded to return to the shore with him imme- 
diately — he remained in the air while we threw off" our sea-gar- 
ments, and we then put off" together for the shore. He began to 
revive as we got into smoother water, and after landing, soon 
came round again. As we drew nigh the strand, it became dense- 
ly covered with an innumerable host of children, who at once 



DANIEL WHEELER. 237 

hailed us as their friends : it was with difficulty that we could pass 
along for them, as these delighted little naked fellows completely 
choaked up the avenue through a grove of bananas, which leads 
to the mission-house, struggling who should first get hold of our 
hands ; and if but a finger could be laid hold of, it seemed quite to sa- 
tisfy them. This banana grove was of Charles Pitman's own plant- 
ing. Soon after reaching the house, the floor was studded over 
with natives squatted on every side, the elders of the people com- 
ing forward to salute us, and welcome us to their island. After 
some consideration and inquiry had taken place, it was concluded 
that the people should be generally convened to-morrow morning 
in that district, and a meeting held at eleven o'clock, A. M. The 
afternoon, towards sun-down, would have been preferred on some 
accounts, but this would unavoidably have thrown us into the dark, 
and thereby rendered our return to the ' Henry Freeling' doubly 
hazardous. After partaking of some simple refreshment, we look- 
ed round the village of Gnatagnia, and then prepared to return to 
our vessel. When leaving her in the morning, we took with us an 
English Union Jack, for the purpose of hoisting upon a lofty bam- 
boo, or cocoa-nut tree, as a signal for Captain Keen to stand in 
as close to the reefs as was prudent, on seeing this flag displayed 
upon the shore, to save the labour of the people in the boat, and 
to afford us every chance of smooth water. When this flag was 
put up, we were told that it was the first time the English flag had 
been planted upon the island of Roratogna; very peaceable pos- 
session had been taken of the island on the occasion, at any rate, 
and one in which a most cordial reception was strongly evinced, 
in a degree of that love which casteth out fear from every breast, 
and makes every man a brother. We were favoured to get well 
on board, and then purchased a few fowls and vegetables of the 
native crew, more with a view to please, than from a want of fresh 
provisions, &c., on our part. 

*' Our meeting with the natives to-morrow is now entirely de- 
pendent upon the elements, a shift of wind may compel us to seek 
safety, by flying from the island before the returning morning; but 
having done our best, we must cast all our burden and all our care 
upon Him, who alone can bring it to pass, before whom my mind 
is humbled and bowed down, imploring help and strength ; that the 
righteous cause may not be tarnished in our feeble hands, but rather 
that the Lord's name may be exalted and glorified, and the Gos- 
pel of the dear Redeemer's spiritual kingdom faithfully declared to 
these people, until the thanksgiving of many shall redound to the 
glory and praise of the riches of that all-saving Grace and Truth 
which came by Him, bringing salvation unto all mankind the world 
over. 

3d of Eighth month, 1836. "The morning was beautifully fine, 
but having crept a long distance from the island during the dark- 
ness, and the breeze now being very light, our progress shoreward 

21 



238 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

again was very slow. Although about one-half of our masts only 
could be seen above the horizon when the day broke, yet the na- 
tives had the sagacity to perceive by the position of our sails, that 
we were steering towards the shore, and immediately put off with 
Charles Pitman's boat. Our own boats had been too long in a dry 
state, to be trust-worthy, and as there was no harbour that could 
be entered with prudence, for shelter, all our hands were required 
on board, as the vessel was Hable to be blown off to sea at all 
times. Charles Pitman's boat, although a clumsy one, was there- 
fore regarded as a privilege and addition to our comforts. From 
our distance in the offing, it was nearly nine o'clock, A. M., before 
this boat got to the vessel, but desirous of rendering every assist- 
ance in his power, Alexander Cunningham, a person whom we 
had known last autumn at EimeOj now endeavouring to establish 
a sugar plantation on his own account at Roratogna, came off in 
her ; having some knowledge of the language, he came principally 
to interpret between us and the natives, should occasion require it. 
While the breeze freshened a little, and the vessel was enabled to 
steer towards the mouth of the channel through the reef, we kept 
on board, but on approaching the coast the wind began to die 
away, and we then proceeded more rapidly in the boat. On land- 
ing we were met by several hundreds of the natives, (a large pro- 
portion of them boys,) and after remaining some time at the mis- 
sion-house, we looked into the school for the least scholars ; some of 
whom read to all appearance very readily. In the large school we 
heard several of the boys and girls read verse after verse alter- 
nately in one of the Evangelists, and were informed that fifteen 
hundred copies of the Four EvangeHsts, had been recently re- 
ceived from England, via Tahiti : some of these were read audi- 
bly, and we were told correctly. After some further examin- 
ation by catechising, a hymn was sung, and the schools then 
broke up in an orderly manner, and proceeded towards the meet- 
ing-house. 

" While a silent spectator in the schools, the love of the Divine 
Master flowed in my heart towards these dear children, an encou- 
raging and sealing evidence, that strength and ability would not 
be wanting to proclaim the glad tidings of his Gospel, in his time. 
The house was filled, and held upwards of two thousand people. 
We remained upon the floor of the building, whilst Charles Pitman 
read my certificates, and explained to the people the nature of my 
visit, I believe to the utmost in his power. During this time it was 
very evident, that if Charles Pitman had been speaking by my 
side, half of the people at least could not have heard him, and there- 
fore I thought it best to promote his remaining in his pulpit by join- 
ing him there. I remained quiet, however, until he had thoroughly 
finished, and then went up and stood in silence by his side, for a 
short interval, when it was with me to turn the attention of the 
gazing islanders to the 'God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,' 



DANIEL WHEELER. 239 

that the great object of our thus being permitted to assemble to- 
gether, might be fully realized and fulfilled, and the blessing which 
prevailed to the utmost bound of the everlasting hills, might rest 
upon us. After this, I had largely to declare the things which be- 
long unto their peace, and to turn them to the * Lamb of God which 
taketh away the sin of the world,' — that they might know Him to 
be so indeed from blessed reality, by believing in the light of the 
Holy Spirit which shineth in every heart, as a light in a dark 
place — that by believing in this light, and taking heed thereunto, 
they would be made sensible of the darkness of their own hearts ; 
and the exceeding sinfulness of sin would be plainly set before them, 
until that sorrow would be begotten, which worketh repentance, 
never to be repented of, because the salvation of the soul is its end. 
It was for this the Saviour died, that mankind might no longer 
walk in darkness, but in the light of life; that as sin hath heretofore 
reigned in us unto death, so now might grace reign through right- 
eousness unto eternal life, by Jesus Christ our Lord. It was a 
solemn season, the power of the Lord reigned over all, and his own 
works rendered Hving praises unto Him and the Son of his love. 
After the meeting broke up, sometime was occupied in noticing the 
people, who remained in crowds about us. It was agreed with 
Charles Pitman, that the people at Aaron Buzacott's station, about 
eight miles distant, should that evening be informed of my inten- 
tion to visit them to-morrow, and that the meeting should be re- 
quested to gather at an early hour in the forenoon, to allow suffi- 
cient time for my return to the vessel. While we rested and 
refreshed, the preconcerted signal was made, and the ' Henry 
Freeling' coming pretty close to the island, we got safely on board 
before dark. 

4th. " Having an overland journey to perform, I repaired to 
the shore in good time, and with the assistance of eight stout na- 
tives, to bear me alternately four and four upon their shoulders 
when wearied, this journey was accomplished with comparative 
ease. The great heat of the sun when it shines, renders the exer- 
cise of travelling on foot too fatiguing to the European constitu- 
tion, and highly imprudent to be persisted in beyond short dis- 
tances. At this station (Avarua,) we had a fine meeting, more than 
2500 persons were present. My certificates were read as usual, 
and I had largely to publish the glad tidings of the everlasting 
Gospel amongst them, to my own peace. Although at first stand- 
ing up I was much depressed, as one that had no might and ready 
to faint, yet as I endeavoured to keep close to my heavenly guide, 
strength proportionate to the day, and confidence, were graciously 
extended to my humble admiration. Many blessed and encourag- 
ing truths were given me to spread before the people, to the exalt- 
ation, I humbly trust, of the Most High God, — and his name and 
power was magnified, who in the greatness of His love and 
strength came to seek and to save that which was lost, by the 



240 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

cleansing and purifying operation of His Holy Spirit in the heart 
of man, if believed in, looked for, and yielded unto in the obedi- 
ence of faith. The meeting held late, the people were very solid 
and attentive, and my feeling, sympathizing and faithful interpre- 
ter, could not help acknowledging the blessing w^ith which we had 
been favoured as a crowning evidence that day. The people 
seemed reluctant to separate, and many of them followed us to the 
dwelling of the absent missionary, where we partook of a repast, 
which had been kindly prepared for our accommodation. The 
king, or principal chief, Makea, joined us ; he was desirous of 
making a present of supphes for the vessel, this however was de- 
clined, and his kind intention acknowledged with gratitude. This 
chief's sister, once dined on board the ' Henry Freehng,' with Po- 
mare, the queen of Tahiti, when we were lying in the bay of Pa- 
peete, at that island a year ago, and was m.entioned in the Ex- 
tracts, &c., of my Journal of that day, as the sister of the king of 
Roratogna. She was at the meeting, and came to me in a very 
kind and agreeable manner before it commenced, and after it was 
over ; Charles Pitman gave me a pleasing account of her stability 
of conduct and example. — Several questions were put to us on re- 
ligious subjects, through Charles Pitman, by Makea and others, 
who attended, and I had an opportunity of telling them what great 
things the Lord had done for them, and the principal work they 
had to do in return, was to labour in the vineyard of their own 
hearts, &c. We got back to Gnatagnia station before sun-setting, 
and I then for the first time found that there was an out-station 
twelve miles distant on the other side of the island, the people of 
which had not been at either of the meetings that had been held. 
I rather shrunk at the receipt of this information, but principally I 
believe owing to the continued exposed situation of the vessel ; 
and, perhaps, the weak state of my Charles might throw an addi- 
tional weight into the scale of discouragement on the occasion. 
Without making any remark, I concluded not to stop over the tea 
which was then ready, but return immediately on board, under a 
faint expectation of being on shore again to-morrow, and perhaps 
getting to the out-station in question, called Aroragne, on the se- 
venth-day, and be in a state of forwardness to leave the range of 
the island altogether, late in the evening, if that was permitted, 
and which, on many accounts, appeared desirable at« the moment. 
I was favoured to reach the vessel at the edge of dark. As the 
evening advanced, blackness and darkness began to gather to the 
southward, incessant lightning followed with distant peals of thun- 
der, at the same time the wind began to freshen from the west- 
ward, a very unusual quarter, as the regular trade-wind almost 
constantly prevails from the south-east, over all others. It was 
now apprehended that this unexpected change in the weather, 
and the wild appearance of the atmosphere, would prove the fore- 
runners of a heavy tempest, and the captain thought it advisable, 



DANIEL WHEELER. 241 

under these circumstances, to haul away from the island under a 
press of canvass, which would at any rate remove every appre- 
hension of suffering from its crags and reefs. We passed a very 
rugged night, and at four o'clock in the morning, were assailed 
with a tremendous squall of wind, which seemed to dispel in great 
measure the most threatening indications of the atmosphere. 

5th. " Heavy rain and rough weather ushered in the new 
morning, and when the day was thoroughly established, we were 
found to be so far off the island, as to render the whole length of 
day insufficient for us to resume our former position, so as to have 
the usual intercourse with its inhabitants. This being conclusive, 
the day was expended in preparing and collecting many of our 
commodities wanted as presents, and to purchase supplies of some 
articles the most needed, and also in searching out a stock of cloth- 
ing and materials, for the purpose of relieving the wants and suf- 
ferings of the poor naked children, who were often shivering with 
the present cold. The climate of this island is stated to have be- 
come much cooler within the last three or four years than it was 
formerly. The heat of the sun is excessive during the day, but the 
nights and mornings are chilly, and the dews very heavy. 

6th. " After a very tossing and almost sleepless night, I felt 
much cast down at the situation of things around us, and seemed 
inclined to lay aside every attempt to eflect a landing upon the 
island to-day, although we had got into an eligible position for the 
purpose during the night : I did not feel clear of this out-station at 
Aroragne, and yet there had been no opportunity for an arrange- 
ment to be made for it, or the needful notice given of an intended 
meeting ; but before getting up, the way was made plain before 
me that would lead to peace and tranquillity of mind, to insure 
which, I found that I must land to-day at Gnatagnia, — attend the 
rneeting here to-morrow, and on second-day go off to the out-sta- 
tion at Aroragne : to this I felt resigned, and then told Charles, 
that this was the only way for me to proceed with safety. Every 
exertion was made to push the ' Henry Freeling' within the range 
of tolerably smooth water, and the natives who had been anxiously 
watching our motions, on seeing these movements, launched the 
boat and put out to sea to meet us. The health of my Charles was 
so favourably restored, as to allow him to accompany me, and 
having got our stores, &c. safely into the boat, we again pushed 
off for the shore, and on landing, were welcomed by the cheerful 
countenances of the islanders as usual. On reaching the mission- 
ary dwelling, I told our kind host and hostess, that we were now 
come to take up our abode with them in earnest. On explaining 
the prospect then before me, Charles Pitman expressed much sa- 
tisfaction at the probability of the Aroragne people being visited. 
I left directions with Captain Keen, to stand close in with the isl- 
and once every day if practicable, and when ready to embark, the 
flag should be hoisted by us as before agreed upon. The remaining 

21* 



242 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

part of the day was fully occupied among the people, in making 
trifling purchases and bestowing rewards, &c. 

7th. {First-day.) " After breakfast this morning, the Bible was 
laid before me, according to the usual practice of giving preference 
to the stranger, who at once undertakes to read a chapter, and 
afterwards to go forward with a prayer. When I had finished 
reading, we remained in silence. I had a secret hope this circum- 
stance might lead into serious consideration at a future day, as to 
the practice of Friends on these occasions. 

" The time of the native meeting now drew nigh, at the thoughts 
of which my mind was greatly humbled and cast down, and yet I 
felt a sustaining confidence that my being here was in the right 
ordering ; for if my own inclination could have been gratified and 
followed, we should have been this morning out of sight of the 
island altogether. Charles Pitman might have observed my sunken 
condition, for previously to setting out for the meeting, he seemed 
desirous to ascertain whether I should speak to the people or not. 
I told him this w^as very uncertain, but from the manner in which 
this thing had been brought about, which was certainly not in 
mine own will, it was by no means improbable but that I might 
have something to say to them. The house was well filled when 
we reached it, and Charles Pitman at once ascended the pulpit, 
but I remained upon the ground floor, as one having no part to 
take or lot in the matter, and, I trust, in a state something similar 
to that of passive clay, willing to be anything or nothing, to do or 
to sufler in secret with the suffering seed. Charles Pitman went 
on with the usual services, as if he had little expectation of any 
interference on my part, but when the second singing was conclu- 
ded, the way seemed at once to open for my going to him. On 
my getting into the pulpit, such was my blank condition, that I 
told him we must proceed slowly, for I should have to look well 
for the stepping stones to get along with safety. We stood some 
time in silence together, when my mouth was opened with our 
blessed Lord's declaration, ' there is joy in heaven over one sinner 
that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons that 
need no repentance.' Such is the everlasting mercy, and bound- 
less love of God, to his creature man, that he willeth not the death 
of a sinner, but rather that all should repent, forsake the evil of 
their ways, return unto Him, and live for ever. For this the Sa- 
viour came ; not to condemn, but to save a guilty world. Jesus 
Christ came into the world to save sinners from the wrath to come 
— that we might have life, and that we might have it more abun- 
dantly. He purchased for poor, lost, finite man, the unspeakable 
gift of the Holy Spirit, by the sacrifice of Himself, on the blood- 
stained cross, 'the just for the unjust, that he might bring us unto 
God,' who * so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten 
Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have 
everlasting life.' But none can be benefitted by the coming and 



DANIEL WHEELER. 243 

sufferings of the Lord Jesus, without an implicit beUef in him. A 
mere belief in the outward fact of His coming in the flesh upon the 
earth, will not suffice. — How many in this our day, fall short of 
coming to the knowledge of the only ' true God and Jesus Christ, 
whom he hath sent, which is life eternal,' through an evil heart of 
unbelief! When the Saviour of men w^as personally upon the 
earth, and men beheld his glory as of the only begotten of the 
Father, full of grace and truth ; his mighty works were few in 
some places, because of the unbelieving hearts of the people, and 
he had frequently to upbraid the doubting, unbelieving multitude, 
for their hardness of heart ; and there were found among his own 
disciples, that were slow of heart to believe respecting Him. ' Ex- 
cept ye see signs and wonders ye will not believe,' was his language 
on one occasion, ' but blessed are they that have not seen, and yet 
have believed.' Great indeed was my desire that these simple- 
hearted islanders might not be faithless, but believing; that joy, 
unspeakable, and full of glory, might be theirs. 

" For about an hour and a-half, I was drawn forth to plead with 
these dear people, in the love of the Gospel, that they might be 
reconciled to God, for Christ's sake, for their own souls' sake, and 
ours also, because of the truth as it is in Jesus. It was indeed a 
glorious meeting, and ought to be commemorated with humblest 
gratitude and praise. 

" My faithful interpreter was almost overcome with the sense of 
the working of the Lord's Almighty power. When the spring was 
closed up, he spoke to me in allusion to my having said, on first 
going into the pulpit, that ' I should have to look well for the step- 
ping stones to get along with safety,' — saying, that he soon found 
I had got upon good ground from the feelings he experienced ; but 
the sentence of death was mine ; and though I have truly nothing 
to boast of but weakness and infirmity, both of late, much and evi- 
dently increased, yet how can I do less than cause the voice of the 
praise of my God, to be heard by faithfully testifying to that loving- 
kindness, which is better than life ; his work is honourable and 
glorious — his righteousness endureth for ever. I sat down in no- 
thingness and weakness ; the creature was laid in the dust, as one 
that owed unto his Lord, far more than ' five hundred pence,' 
many times multiplied, and had nothing to pay with ; self-convict- 
ed, and as one to whom all which had been spoken most fully ap- 
plied. Although the meeting had held long, before I took any part 
in it, and was then prolonged to an unseasonable length, the people 
retained their seats, as if fearful of disturbing the covering which 
was permitted to overshadow us ; and they continued in stillness, 
after we came down upon the floor to them ; but on my remark- 
ing to Charles Pitman, that the people did not seem willing to go 
away, he said a few sentences to them, after which they quietly 
withdrew. 

8th. " Rose at the earliest cock-crowing this morning, and pre- 



244 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

pared to set forward for Aroragne. The night having been squally, 
and the morning opening with showers of rain, it was thought the 
exposure and fatigue would be more than my Charles could sup- 
port, as the present state of his health rendered any thing border- 
ing on risk, unwarrantable ; it was therefore concluded best that 
he should remain at Gnatagnia. Charles compHed with this deter- 
mination rather reluctantly, being desirous of rendering assistance 
in any way within his power, and not liking to be so separated 
from the scene of duty. Charles Pitman and myself moved for- 
ward, he on horse back, and myself in the usual way, with a body 
of natives, ten in number. 

" The rain made it cooler for the work, and seemed to make no 
impression, as it fell on their well-oiled skins: the burning and 
dazzHng white sand on which we travelled, was nicely cooled by 
the showers, and retained a refreshing temperature while the at- 
mosphere remained cloudy; but on our return in the afternoon, 
the sun was burning hot, and the weather totally changed. Notice 
having been timely given, we found the people prepared to receive 
us, and the meeting was soon collected, to the number of 1500 per- 
sons. Being a stranger on this side the island, my certificates 
were read as usual, at the commencement ; an arrangement al- 
ways preferred by myself, from having so often witnessed it to 
bring the people into stillness and attention, and also to renew a 
fresh feeling of the precious unity and sympathy of my dear breth- 
ren and sisters far away, and the remembrance of them, under 
these circumstances, in the love and fellowship of the Gospel, 
brings strength, while it softens the heart. I remained upon the 
floor, with a crowd of natives squatted about me, and having now 
no one near me, that I had ever seen before, I felt like a stranger 
indeed. When the time arrived, I went to Charles Pitman, and 
eventually broke the silence by reminding the people of Him who 
knoweth our down-sitting and up-rising, and understandeth our 
thoughts afar off; yea, there is not a word in our tongue but He 
knoweth it altogether : * all things are naked, and opened to the 
eyes of Him with whom we have to do.' None of us can by any 
means redeem his brother, or give to God a ransom for him, — that 
our salvation must be wrought out by ourselves, and that with fear 
and trembling. But sinful and impotent as we are, the means for 
the accomplishment of this great work, are mercifully placed with- 
in the reach of all through the unutterable love of God, in Christ 
Jesus, our crucified, risen, and glorified Lord. In order to partake 
of this, so great and universal salvation conferred upon mankind, 
by the * God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,' we must come 
to the experimental knowledge of Him, who is the eternal author 
of it all. He tasted death for every man, and by the awful sacri- 
fice of himself, not only procured for a guilty world the remission 
of sins that are past, but the unspeakable gift of the Holy Spirit — 
* 1 am the light of the world,' said Christ, ' he that followeth me 



DANIEL WHEELER. 245 

shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.' Those 
who believe in this light, and walk in this light, who bring their 
thoughts, words, and deeds to it, and obey its manifestations, are 
they who love Christ and keep his commandments, for Christ is 
the light; and in thus doing they. love God, for God is light; * I, 
and my Father are one.' * If we walk in the light, as he is in the 
light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus 
Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.' The spring of the ever- 
lasting Gospel flowed freely to this people, and in its authority I 
was enabled to appeal unto themselves, and make them their own 
hving witnesses to the in-shining of ' the light of the glorious Gos- 
pel of Christ' in their own hearts ; — that although it was their lot 
to dwell in a remote part of the globe, on a small spot in the midst 
of the ocean, they were alike the objects of everlasting and redeem- 
ing love, with those who inhabited every other part of the Lord's 
earth, and for them the precious blood of Christ was shed, as for 
me, and mine, and all mankind. The people were invited to re- 
pent, believe, and obey the Gospel, and they would find it to be 
the power of God unto salvation, through the power of the Holy 
Spirit. And as they came to enjoy the blessedness of those that 
believe in Jesus, and walk in His light, in obedience to its dis- 
coveries, their hearts will be changed, and become more and 
more turned towards their dear children, than is at present the 
case, that they also might with them partake in the joys of God's 
salvation. It was a memorable season, and I trust will not soon 
be forgotten. 

" After noticing the people we repaired to a native teacher's 
house, and partook of some cooling refreshment of which we both 
stood in need. On our return to Gnatagnia, we stopped to ex- 
amine a new place of worship, sixty feet square, which is building 
of coral, or agglomerated sand and shells, and nearly complete to 
the roof This structure is carried on under the direction of A. 
Cunningham. We reached the mission house too late to embark, 
on account of there being several matters yet to attend to, though 
the ' Henry Freehng' was hovering at the time pretty near the 
southernmost end of the island. 

9th. " Several articles being now wanted from the vessel, in 
order to discharge the debts contracted, and yet to be incurred, 
for hogs, vegetables, and labour in the overland journies and in the 
boat, &c., it was concluded that Charles should undertake to go on 
board to procure these things, while I, with the assistance of 
Charles Pitman, endeavoured to procure what was wanting, and 
make every arrangement calculated to forward my intention of 
quitting the shores of Roratogna towards evening. I cannot omit 
mentioning the kind behaviour of the natives last evening after our 
return from Aroragne. They were probably aware that the time 
was at hand for our final departure from the island, and the house 
of the missionary was like a fair the whole time — they seemed to 



246 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

vie with each other in doing any thing they thought would please — 
several of the young women applied, through Charles Pitman, for 
permission to rub my feet, and legs, and knees, in the manner in 
which they are accustomed to perform the operation upon the per- 
sons of their chiefs, when greatly fatigued — saying, that I had had 
a very long journey that day, and must be weary, and in need of 
what they could do. I was not very partial to this method of relief, 
but did not like to appear to slight their simple offer; but I was after- 
wards surprised to find in how short a time all aches and pains of 
weariness, were entirely removed by their persevering diligence — 
several of them were at work at the same time, and trying who 
could do the most. Upon this island we had the satisfaction to 
see a great increase of population, the children swarmed about its 
shores like bees, and I think Charles Pitman said, the schools 
are attended by 3000 of different ages and both sexes. The 
houses of the natives are mostly constructed with some degree 
of uniformity, neatly white-washed, with roads of broken shells 
made up to many of them for a pubKc road for travelling upon, 
and the people seem to live generally in a state of enjoyment. The 
fruit and vegetables usually found upon the isles of the Pacific 
abound, as the island is like a w^ell-watered hot-bed. The lofty 
mountains in its centre, obstruct the passage of the clouds, and 
cause an abundant supply of rain. But what conduces most to the 
comfort and real happiness of the people, and causes an increasing 
population, is the circumstance of there being no good harbour for 
shipping ; they have, consequently, very slight intercourse with the 
Enghsh and American sailors, and are therefore free from that 
dreadful disease, the blasting influence of which, is fast depopu- 
lating every other isle which our footsteps have traversed : to this 
truth, may be added another originating in the same cause, — there 
is no rum dealer upon the island ; ardent spirit is a curse entailed 
upon most others by these scourges of the human race, either pub- 
licly or privately introduced by the shipping. The remains of the 
wreck of the Charles Doggett, an American vessel, was lying upon 
the reefs of Roratogna — it appears that no lives were lost — the 
cargo was saved by the natives, consisting principally of pearl 
shells, and cocoa-nut oil, the crew had been happily shipped off by 
another vessel that touched there shortly afterwards. This vessel 
we met with at Tahiti last year, she put in twice, and was then in 
the very act of diffusing her rum, muskets, and gunpowder, 
amongst the islands, for cocoa-nut oil, pearl shells, arrow root, &c. 
She was now prosecuting another voyage, and had been fitted out 
at Sidney, New South Wales, where her owners, one or more, re- 
side, and where many others reside who are accumulating weahh 
by a traffic which promotes the destruction of their fellow-men. 

" After discharging all our debts, and affording as many sup- 
plies to our friends, and for the benefit of the dear children, as we 
could spare, we took our last meal with Charles and Elizabeth 



DANIEL WHEELER. 247 

Pitman, and bade a final adieu to the shores of Roratogna, and its 
swarthy tribes, as to the outward, but to memory lastingly pre- 
cious, though as far distant as the east is from the west. 

" The ' Henry Freeling' anticipated our movement, and stretch- 
ed in upon the coast, when the boat made its appearance ; and we 
were favoured to get safely on board at half-past three o'clock in 
the afternoon. A M'Donald, and Alexander Cunningham ac- 
companied us, and returned with the boat again to the shore. We 
got in our numerous articles without being materially injured by 
the spray of the sea, and at four o'clock filled our sails and bore 
away to the westward ; cleared the southernmost point and its 
crags before dark ; and at midnight, were at least fifty miles from 
this interesting and highly favoured little island. There are four 
small islands inhabited, which comprise the Hervey group besides 
that of Roratogna, but not one missionary amongst them all. Our 
friend, Charles Pitman, feeble as he is, would, I have no hesitation 
in believing, have freely devoted his remaining strength to our 
service, and united in a visit to them with us, had his fellow-mis- 
sionary, Aaron Buzacott, been at his own station at Avorua, but 
the absence of the latter, deprived us of an interpreter, without 
which, such a visit would have been in vain ; I think I should not 
have been satisfied to pass them by, could one have been obtained. 
The names of these islands are, Magnaia, Atiu, Aitutaki, Mitiaro, 
or Mauki ; their population is estimated at 5,900 people. These 
islands are now and then visited by a missionary from Roratogna : 
such a circumstance must, however, be very rare, as they have no 
means of travelling within their reach, it can therefore only occur 
when a vessel comes down from the Georgian or Society group, 
to range amongst them, to collect cocoa-nut oil, arrow root, &c. ; 
there are, however, some native teachers distributed among them 
from Roratogna. This group was first discovered by our coun- 
tryman. Captain Cook, and was afterwards named the Hervey 
Islands. It is with much satisfaction I have learned, that our va- 
luable interpreter, Samuel Wilson, who accompanied us round 
Tahiti, in 1835, is now an appointed missionary by the I^ondon 
Society to the station of Aroragne, on the south side of Roratogna. 
" Our visit to Roratogna cannot, I think, on various accounts, 
be soon obliterated from our minds, or pass away as" a tale that is 
told: the retrospect of the highly favoured seasons, so condescend- 
ingly permitted to crown the diflTerent assemblies of the people, 
only brightens the more as the days are increased, which throw 
the scene of such love and such mercy still further and further 
behind. The circumstance of the ' Henry Freeling' having to beat 
about during the whole time that occupied, rendered it doubly 
hazardous on her account, as well as made our different trips to 
the shore much more difficult and protracted ; the boisterous state 
of the weather and the trade wind coming round both ends of the 
island, and then meeting, placed the boat and ourselves in a pre- 



248 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

carious situation, when getting in or out of the vessel, and the 
wet necessarily encountered, in passing to and fro by boat, are 
occurrences, which, although at the time somewhat irksome and 
hindering, when over, are not worthy to be recorded, because of 
the peace, and love, and sweetness that flowed from the everlast- 
ing fountain and source of all our sure mercies, even exceeding 
the hundred fold promised to those that leave all for Christ's sake, 
and his Gospel, to the praise of Him whose faithfulness faileth not, 
be it spoken. Before leaving Roratogna, I received several letters 
from some of the most capable scholars in the school at Gnatag- 
nia, which were literally translated to us : one of which I subjoin 
as a specimen, which will suffice for the whole, as they are nearly 
in the same strain. It is from Tekori, a boy of about sixteen years 
of age. 

"This is my speech to you, Daniel Wheeler — read it, that you 
may know great is our joy in seeing your face, and in knowing 
your speech of God's great kindness to you. Attend, I will relate 
to you the coming of God's word to us. We w^ere heathens for- 
merly — we did not know the living God Jehovah. At that time 
the devil was our God — we worshipped him, and did that which is 
agreeable to his will — that was our true condition formerly, Daniel 
Wheeler. Attend, then arrived the season in which the word 
of the great God came to us — even of Jehovah, and the word of 
God spread among us in that season — still hsten — God sent his 
servants to us, to inform us of the true way. Then the light sprung 
up in the midst of us. The word spoken by Isaiah, the prophet, 
was then fulfilled, chap. Ix. verse 1. * Arise, shine, for thy light is 
come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.' Behold, the 
light of Jehovah came to this land, and the light of Jehovah dawn- 
ed upon us. Then the word of God spread on this land. The 
children know the word of God. Pitman taught us unweariedly, 
and in this likewise, behold the love of God to us. Our friend and 
brother, Daniel Wheeler, I think of the kindness of God in con- 
veying you from your land — from Britain. You have been directed 
by God, to this land and that land — you have witnessed his loving 
kindness — you have seen what has occurred in the deep — the 
mighty power of God. He will not forsake those who put their 
trust in Him. Friend, when you go to visit this land, and that 
land, we will pray to God, that he may safely conduct you to the 
land, whither you wish to go, and that He may carry you safely 
to your own land. Friend, now go, w^e have met — you have seen 
our face in Roratogna, and we have seen your face. Observe, one 
thing yet remains. — When we shall be assembled with the word of 
God, of the blessed — in that world of joy, the good people of Bri- 
tain will know those of Roratogna, and the good people of Rora- 
togna, will know those of Britain, and then will be known the true 
state of that land, and this land. This is a little speech of com- 



DANIEL WHEELER. 249 

passion toward you — may you be preserved in your voyaging. — 
And novi^, may the grace of God be granted to us — even so — 
Amen. 

" From Tekori, that is all I have to say." 

16th. " Since quitting the neighbourhood of Roratogna, our 
course has been directed, when the weather would permit, towards 
the Friendly Islands, which lie in a westerly direction from the 
Hervey group, at a distance of from eleven to twelve hundred 
miles ; but having now to traverse near the edge of the trade lati- 
tude, the winds became much more unstable — sometimes directly 
opposed to our proceeding, and often boisterous, with as much sea 
as our little vessel could at times well bear. Nothing material oc- 
curred on the passage from Roratogna; our devotional duties were 
attended to as usual, and though Charles and myself had much to 
contend with, from the heat of the climate, and our narrow limits 
in the cabin, during our endeavours to draw nigh unto the Lord — 
yet, there is ample encouragement, notwithstanding human weak- 
ness and frailty, and the hindering things to which these poor 
bodies are subject, for all to persevere in wrestling for the blessing, 
with the humble resolution of the Patriarch, 'I will not let thee go, 
until thou btess me.' It was expected, I believe, by all on board, 
that we should steer for the island of Tongataboo, but a variety 
of circumstances operated upon my mind, to produce a deter- 
mination to aim in the first place at the northernmost island, Va- 
vau : this was so fixed with me, that I told Captain Keen, before 
we lost sight of Roratogna, the conclusion I had come to, and he 
made arrangements accordingly to accomplish the object in view. 
At noon, to-day, it was found from accurate calculation, that the 
island of Vavau, was only distant about 102 miles. As we were 
now making rapid progress towards our destination, rolling away 
before a strong wind and following sea, it was thought that the 
distance was too short, to warrant running on through the night, 
and the more so, as the moon was too young to afford any light, 
when that would be the most needed. Our canvass was accord- 
ingly reduced, and at nine o'clock, P. M., we hove too for the 
night. 

17th. " At five o'clock, A. M., bore up and mad^ sail to the 
westward. At nine o'clock we were cheered with a sight of the 
island, and immediately stood for the northernmost bluff, with a 
fresh trade-wipd in our favour. At noon, were abreast of the 
bluff, and hauled round the different headlands as close as was 
prudent, with a good look out from the mast-head for the break- 
ers. Although furnished with an ample number of nautical charts, 
yet none afforded specific directions for approaching these shores ; 
and it was perplexing to find that a rough sketch printed by Ma- 
riner, (who long resided among the Tonga Isles, and published a 
history of them,) in our possession, disagreed in toto with two 

22 



250 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

first-rate charts we had on board, and yet this imperfect sketch 
furnished to all appearance, the best directions for entering Port 
Refuge, although certainly never intended as a seaman's guide. 
On reaching a head-land which we expected would form one side 
of a spacious bay, in which we were hoping to find shelter, it was 
found on rounding it, to our great consternation, that island after 
island began to show itself, until every prospect of finding a port 
seemed closed up: it remained to be determined, whether we 
should run out to sea again, or risk an attempt to find shelter, by 
working into the heart of the group at a venture. Every precau- 
tion was used to avoid sunken rocks and shoals, and the colour of 
the water was our faithful guide. In the course of a few tacks, 
we seemed to be completely embarrassed amidst this host of ene- 
mies, looking in vain on every side for an opening to the place 
which we had before anticipated to find without any difficulty. 
There seemed at last no chance of our success, or option left, but 
that of our taking refuge at sea instead of in the port that bears 
the name of Refuge, as the sun was rapidly setting. Our captain 
would gladly have relinquished this hazardous pursuit, and made 
oflf while there was day-light to see the way out again ; but, we 
had still some hope left, that the design would be accomplished, 
and when nearly exhausted, as the day-light receded, and hope 
sickened within us, the sight of a ship at anchor renewed it again 
as a charm, and stimulated to more persevering exertion. A se- 
cond ship was now soon discovered near the first, and seeing an 
English Jack flying for a pilot, they both displayed the American 
flag. It soon became dark, but there was as yet no anchorage, 
we had sounded in vain, and though surrounded by islands on every 
hand, there was no bottom to be found. The place where these 
ships were seen, was now our aim, and at length we succeeded in 
getting near enough to hail the ' Pacific,' of Nantucket, at anchor 
in twenty-eight fathoms water, but by running a little nearer the 
shore, we found a sandy bottom, with sixteen fathoms upon it, 
which, after tumbling about for two months since leaving the roads 
of Waimea, at the Sandwich Isle Vauai, was accepted with thank- 
fulness. What shall we render unto the Lord Most High ? whose 
goodness and mercy still follow us in the way that we go. — Yea, 
He delivereth the poor and him that hath no helper. What shall 
we say, or what shall we do, but wonder, admire, and adore in 
humble prostration of soul, the fulness and extent of that love, 
which no tongue can set forth or declare. — It is bo.undless as His 
everlasting mercy, filling all space, and unfathomable as the ocean 
we traverse." 



DANIEL WHEELER. 251 



CHAPTER XVI. 

Friendly Islands — island of Vavau — Wesleyan missionaries — appearance of the natives — 
native meetings at Neiafu, Feletoa, and Haalaufuli — appointed meeting for seamen — visit 
to the island of Otea— native meeting— lofty cavern— King George— meeting at Hihifo — 
earthquake— meetings at Matika — at Neiafu — embarkation of the mission families — sail 
for Lifuka. 

18th of Eighth month. "This morning the natives began early 
to visit us, flocking on board with their simple articles of shells 
and vegetables for barter. Although v^e usually hold our little 
meeting on this day of the M^eek, yet the unsettled state of our 
affairs compelled us to relinquish the attempt, from the confu- 
sion around us, produced by the novelty of our vessel, and the 
unfitness of our own minds. At noon, left the vessel in quest of 
the missionary station. On reaching the head of the bay, two 
missionaries were observed coming towards us in a canoe ; and, 
on seeing our boat they returned again to the shore, to point out 
the most suitable place for landing, and to conduct us to the settle- 
ment at Neiafu. These were Stephen Raybone and John Spinney, 
who had lately arrived from England, via Sidney, with their fami- 
lies. In a short time we reached the habitation of John Thomas, 
the senior missionary, who has been for several years engaged 
upon these islands. Here we met with a kind and friendly recep- 
tion, and the same offer of assistance which had been extend- 
ed towards us at other places. We found the whole mission 
belonging to the Wesleyan Missionary Society exclusively, and 
these individuals are the first of its members whom we have met 
with in the Pacific. I left my certificates with John Thomas for 
translation, and, after having been cheered by hearing of our dear 
friends James Backhouse and George W. Walker, and of others 
whom we had known two years ago, both at Sidney and Hobart 
Town, at which places the recently arrived missionaries had spent 
some time waiting for a conveyance to the Friendly Islands, we 
returned on board. 

19th. " Notwithstanding the weather was so wet as to confine 
us on board, yet the deck was crowded with the natives from 
morning until evening. Small hogs, vegetables, and abundance of 
shells seemed to be the whole of their saleable property. They 
are a fine manly race of people, of the most perfect form we have 
yet seen; and having as yet had but little intercourse with foreign- 
ers upon this island, they are not the victims of wretchedness and 
disease, which the seamen, every where introduce. Their skins 
are clean and well oiled, and, in general appearance, they are 
healthy. The length and roughness of their hair, which is uni- 
formly black, gives them rather a wild and ferocious appearance, 
until accustomed to be among them; but they are in reality as 



252 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

gentle and docile as little children. With the exception of an 
apron of long wiry grass about the waist, they are mostly naked. 
Taofaahau, on whom the title of King George has been conferred 
by the missionaries, is now alDsent at Lifuka, one of the Harbai 
Islands. He is spoken of very highly, and declared to be a preach- 
er of the Gospel to the people, and the queen, Charlotte, fills the sta- 
tion of class-leader among the female part of the community. It 
is said, the whole population of the group Haafuluhau, (pronounced 
Haah-foo-loo-how,) of which Vavau is the largest island ; of the 
Harbai group, of which Lifuka is the most considerable, and a 
part of Tongataboo have embraced Christianity ; the remainder 
upon this last island are still called heathens. John Hobbs and 
Wilham Allen Brooks, missionaries from the station at Feletoa, 
came on board this afternoon to make our acquaintance. 

" The object in landing this evening, was principally to inquire at 
what time I could see the people collected to-morrow morning, my 
mind having been turned towards a meeting with them. Finding no 
difficulty in the way, and having the promise of John Thomas to 
interpret for me, we returned on board. The evening proved wet 
with thunder and lightning, and the vermin which have greatly 
increased since we have been in these hot climates, being joined 
by a fresh supply of mosquitos from the shore, annoyed us ex- 
tremely, so that there w^as but little rest to be obtained, to prevent 
which, the prospect of having new ground to move upon, did not 
fail to contribute. 

21st. (First'day.) *' Got ready in good time this morning, and 
taking the mate and four men in the boat, proceeded to Neiafu. 
On reaching the meeting-house, it appeared that the native worship 
had commenced much earlier than usual to allow of more time for 
what might succeed it. We remained outside the building, lest 
our appearance should tend to confuse, until it was finished, when 
John Thomas came out and took me to his seat. 

" After my certificates were read and explained, I had, after a 
pause, to turn the people to the great Teacher of all mankind — 
Christ Jesus, who, when on earth, spoke as never man spoke, and 
taught as never man taught : the light of whose glorious Gospel 
bringeth salvation to all that beheve in it and obey it. I had been 
induced to leave all to bring them the glad tidings of this Gospel, 
which is the power of God unto salvation from sin, that the fulness 
of this heavenly blessing in all its riches, might be theirs for ever. 
I was abundantly strengthened by the might of my ever gracious 
Master, to proclaim to these noble islanders, who form but a small 
portion of His * inheritance,' the grace and truth which came by 
Him. Under a feeling of great solemnity their attention was ri- 
veted, while listening to the endeavours of a way-worn stranger, 
to turn them from darkness to the light of Christ in their own 
hearts, and from the power of Satan unto God, whose mercy en- 
dureth for ever. At the close of this meeting another commenced 



DANIEL WHEELER. 253 

for the English people, and we had to remain the whole time, as I 
did not like to take away our four men and the mate, who I sup- 
posed had been invited to attend : this circumstance made us late 
in returning to the vessel. 

22nd. " In the forenoon, John Thomas, Stephen Raybone, and 
John Spinney came on board, and the afternoon turning out very 
rainy, we could not get on shore. By their coming, however, 
arrangements were made for attending a meeting at Feletoa about 
noon to-morrow. This evening we were informed that the ' Active' 
schooner, a vessel well known to us, had been wrecked upon a reef 
among the Fiji islands. The captain and three others escaped 
with their lives, but the remaining four who were saved from the 
wreck, were afterwards stripped and murdered by the natives. 
Their destruction appears to have resulted from the harsh and 
imprudent conduct of these unhappy men towards the islanders, 
which produced this dreadful catastrophe. They are said to have 
been four very wicked people. The Fiji group is considered as 
part of the Friendly Islands. This vessel was in the employ of 
the Wesleyan Mission, and had brought out missionaries from 
Sydney to this place but a short time before we arrived, and from 
hence proceeded to land missionary stores at the Fiji Islands, and 
was expected to return again shortly to Port Refuge. This dread- 
ful circumstance will tend to stagnate for a time the affairs of the 
mission, as regards their supplies, not only on these islands, but 
possibly retard the establishment of an intended one at the Fiji 
group. 

23rd. " This morning John Hobbs arrived in good time, bring- 
ing with him two canoes with six natives, who were to paddle the 
' Henry Freeling's' long boat to Feletoa for the purpose of con- 
veying us to the intended meeting to be held there. We were 
late in reaching our destination, owing to a strong current setting 
against the boat. John Thomas was preaching to the people when 
we arrived, and when he had finished we went into the meeting 
and sat down. When John Thom.as had finished his explanation 
of my certificate, I stood up in great weakness and fear, and so- 
lemn silence prevailed over the assembly, which was large. I had 
to declare unto them the truth as it is in Jesus, even in Him who 
in due time died for all, that all might live : the same blessed Jesus 
who came on earth in the greatness of his love and strength, to 
seek and to save that which was lost; who once taught the people 
in a body of flesh, but now teaches all mankind by his Holy Spirit 
of grace, and is the Saviour of all that believe — the life and light 
of men ; mighty to save the soul from sin, and lead it up to God 
the Father. I seemed to have little or nothing before me but the 
supply of the moment, from the time of standing up to the end. 
After dinner and spending some time in the family of John Hobbs, 
who has five children, we returned to the boat which was left a 
mile off, but the declivity of the foot path was much worse to de- 

22* 



254 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

scend than I expected, though its ascent had been hard work in 
the morning. All the missionaries, expect John Thomas, accom- 
panied us down towards the bay, but were put on shore before we 
came in sight of the shipping. On arriving at Port Refuge, we 
were cheered by the sight of an English flag, on board a vessel 
coming in from sea, which proved to be the ' Lady Wellington,' 
whaler of Sidney, out three months on a whaling cruise. 

24th. " The weather having turned out very rough and wet, 
we went up to Neiafu to ascertain whether the holding of a meet- 
ing would be affected by this circumstance, as the natives had to 
collect from three distant meetings to attend one to be held in the 
centre of the three, which it had been agreed should take place 
to-morrow. 

27th. " Most of yesterday was engaged in bartering with the 
natives. The king's brother, who is a useful man to the mission- 
aries, dined on board with us. To-day, cloudy weather ; heavy 
rain fell in the night with strong squalls from off the high land — 
the * John Adams,' of New Bedford, drove from her anchorage, 
and was compelled to let go a second anchor. Our vessel was 
moored with two heavy anchors. The afternoon again showery. 
The natives brought several hogs in the course of the day, and a 
tolerable supply of yams and cocoa-nuts. Having been confined 
on board several days by the state of the weather, which of late 
has precluded the performance of any distant visits, and nothing 
having arisen in this immediate neighbourhood, it has been a time 
something like resting at the oar. 

28th. {First-day.) " Long before daylight my mind was en- 
gaged to examine whether there was any particular track for me 
to move in as regarded the natives' meeting on shore, but felt, as 
the morning opened, a poor forlorn creature, enfeebled and ready 
to droop by the way, as one that fainteth, though without having 
any defined prospect in view ; but abiding under the humbling in- 
fluence of that power which softeneth the flinty rock, I have found 
to be a place of safety, and one that prepares the tribulated mortal 
to partake of a blessed portion of that strength which is perfected 
only in weakness, while it prompts to watchfulness and resignation 
to the Divine will. For the last two or three days, while most on 
board are gladdened with the hope of soon seeing the coast of 
New Holland and entering again the port of Sidney, I cannot 
discover the probable time of our leaving this place, nor what may 
be our next destination ; on which ever side I look, obstacles of no 
small magnitude present themselves, but I am desirous to leave all 
to Him, who alone can make me quick of understanding in his 
fear. * My soul wait thou upon the Lord.' Spent the day on 
board with our own crew, in the usual way. 

31st. "Yesterday arrived the American ship * Wiscasset,' of 
Wiscasset, Captain Macey, from a whaling cruise, to secure her 
oil by coopering, (fee. In the afternoon, some steps were taken to- 



DANIEL WHEELER. 255 

wards prosecuting a visit to one of the smaller islands, which the 
weather had prevented our attempting last fifth-day. We found 
to-day, that John Thomas had ascertained from some of the most 
intelligent natives, that the tide would flow to-morrow, sufficiently 
early to allow us to pass over the flats and reach the meeting in 
seasonable time : we were also informed that general notice had 
been given to the people of two other stations, viz. Tanea and 
Eueiki, to assemble at the central station of the three, called Haa- 
laufuli, where the meeting is appointed to be held. 

1st of Ninth month. " Left the vessel before sunrise, and called 
upon John Thomas, who accompanied us through the journey. 
We proceeded across a neck of land to a sandy bay, where two 
canoes were soon in readiness to convey us forward ; but as the 
wind blew strong and against us, the natives very kindly suggested 
the propriety of a third canoe being procured to divide the weight 
more equally, and by rendering the canoes lighter, to lessen the 
danger of our getting wet by the feather tops of the little waves 
blowing on us from the stroke of the paddle; this occasioned 
some delay, but was no doubt a saving of time in the end. At 
length, however, we were equipped, and proceeded with three 
skilful natives in each canoe, which contained one of us : the canoe 
with John Thomas leading the way. The first object was to cross 
an arm of the sea to obtain the shelter of a high bluff" on a head- 
land which we had to pass ; with numerous islands on our right, 
which broke off* the swell of the ocean almost entirely from our 
route : some of these islands were inhabited. About ten o'clock 
A. M. we landed again on the island of Vavau, after a very cir- 
cuitous passage, but the only one by which the extremity of this 
island can be got at from Neiafu. We were soon met by the prin- 
cipal chief, Daniel Afu, and several of his people, who welcomed 
us to their neighbourhood ; and after spending a short time at the 
chief's house, the meeting was assembled by the sound of heavy 
strokes upon a hollow piece of wood, a sort of native drum, which 
may be heard at a great distance. The people were soon collected, 
and after John Thomas had opened the meeting in the usual way, 
and read one of my certificates, all became silent; and I had 
largely to declare amongst them the ' unsearchable riches of Christ,' 
the beloved Son of God, and Saviour of men ; whom all men are 
commanded to hear : whose Holy Spirit speaketh in every heart 
to bring us to repentance and amendment of life, in the fear of 
God. To this heavenly Teacher I was concerned to turn them, 
and to exhort them in the love of the Gospel to ' believe in the 
Lord Jesus Christ and be saved ;' to believe in the power of His 
Holy Spirit in their hearts, and wait for it there : we were favoured 
with a solemnity which nothing short of this irresistible power can 
produce. Many of the people came to us in a loving manner when 
the meeting broke up, and hung about while we remained in the 
neighbourhood. 



256 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

*' The people were this day turned to the teachings of that grace 
in their own hearts, by which all such as happily take heed to it, will 
learn to ' worship God in spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have 
no confidence in the flesh.' May the Lord hasten the dawning of 
that day when true spiritual Gospel worshippers shall abound in 
the earth to the glory and praise of Him, who is alone worthy to 
be worshipped in spirit and in truth ; when living spiritual sacri- 
fices shall ascend, acceptable unto Him by Jesus Christ ; and in 
every place incense shall be offered to his ever great and excellent 
name — even the sacrifice offered in the ' beauty of holiness and 
newness of life,' from the pure, contrite and humble heart, produced 
by the power of the Spirit of the Lord Jesus. After meeting we 
partook of some refreshment at the chief's house, in true native 
style, upon the floor on mats, with the milk of the cocoa-nut as a 
beverage, and the pulpy shoots of the banana tree bruised between 
our fingers, to answer the purpose of washing the hands : some 
native cloth from the dress of the chiefess served for a towel. 
This was found very needful and an agreeable part of the enter- 
tainment, having had to tear the food literally to pieces with our fin- 
gers. When it was finished we took leave of the chief and his 
family and others present, and returned to the sea side, resumed 
our seats in the different canoes, and were safely paddled back 
again to the sandy bay near Neiafu. On the way from the canoes 
to the missionary-house, we called at the king's habitation — his 
daughter, called the princess Charlotte, was at home — a young 
woman about sixteen years of age, with an intelhgent countenance ; 
she was seated on the floor in simple native attire — her brother, a 
boy, perhaps twelve years old, was playing about. When return- 
ing to the vessel, it occurred to me that some of the ships now in 
the harbour would soon be ready for sea, and I felt as if I should 
not be clear of the crews, without endeavouring to collect them 
together next first-day forenoon: to this I stood resigned, in hopes 
of feeling some further impression in the morning, if it should be 
required. 

3rd. " Yesterday, the subject of a meeting with the seamen 
still rested upon me. On awaking this morning I endeavoured to 
watch over every thought that arose; and after remembering my 
great Creator in humble gratitude for the mercies of the past night, 
my mind seemed as a blank until the prospect of holding a meeting 
with the seamen of the fleet came before it, not a httle in the cross 
to the unmortified part, which seemed now ready to shrink. I 
kept the matter close until after breakfast, and then told Charles 
that I believed it safest for me to appoint a meeting for worship 
to-morrow, at eleven o'clock A. M., to be held in the native chapel 
at Neiafu, if that could be obtained. On stating this to John Tho- 
mas, he said that a missionary was coming down from Feletoa, to 
preach at the hour proposed for holding our meeting, but that he 
had no doubt of his being willing to accommodate me. In that 



DANIEL WHEELER. 257 

case, I told him that I should give notice to the shipping that they 
might know what to expect, as the meeting would be held after 
the manner of the Society of Friends, and w^ould not commence 
with singing — but we should sit in silence to wait for the influence 
of the Holy Spirit upon our minds, before we could move. In the 
afternoon a suflicient number of written notices were prepared and 
distributed amongst the shipping, leaving the result to Him who 
knoweth all things, desiring that his great name alone may be ex- 
alted, and the Gospel of the heavenly kingdom in the heart of man 
proclaimed, to the Saviour's praise. 

4th. {First-day.) " This morning much cast down and a poor 
creature, but as one bound to the work of the dear Master from 
which I dared not hold back, however human nature might be 
ready to shrink as the hour of trial approached. Landed in good 
time and proceeded to the mission station at Neiafu. We then re- 
paired to the meeting-house and I took a seat on the floor in front 
of the people. I had to sit long in silence, but eventually stood up 
with those instructive expressions of our Lord to his disciples — 
'Herein is my Father glorified that ye bear much fruit, so shall ye 
be my disciples : he that abideth in me and I in him, the same 
bringeth forth much fruit, for without me ye can do nothing.' 
From this I was enabled to show that without the blessed influ- 
ence of the Holy Spirit of the Son, we can do nothing — much less 
be capable of bearing that fruit by which the Holy Father is glo- 
rified ; and the impossibility of performing that worship which 
only is acceptable in the sight of Him, ' who is a Spirit,' without 
the help of the Holy Spirit; and therefore it is indispensable, in 
order to the performance of true spiritual worship, to wait in re- 
verential silence for a renewal of that strength, which is ' mighty 
through God to the casting down imaginations, and every high 
thing that exaheth itself against the knowledge of God — to the 
bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ ;' 
to the obedience of the Spirit of Truth in our hearts, without 
which, none can worship God in Spirit and in truth. It is this in- 
fluence which can alone prepare our hearts to worship, praise, and 
glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ — who is a 
Spirit, and must be worshipped in Spirit and in truth. I had to 
set forth the admirable adaptation of the glorious Gospel dispensa- 
tion to the condition of man the world over, and the blessed supe- 
riority of true spiritual worship, in the inner temple of the heart, 
over that which is left in the outer court to be trodden under foot. 
My mind was particularly turned towards those ' who go down to 
the sea in ships, and do business in great w^aters, that see the 
mighty works of the Lord, and his wonders in the deep.' Al- 
though such may often feel as excluded from their fellow-men, and 
shut out from every opportunity of religious instruction, and desti- 
tute of the * means of grace,' this is evidently not the case, but a 
delusion of the great enemy of God and man, although it may be 



258 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

often held out by those who have a zeal for God, but not accord- 
ing to knowledge, of whom the great apostle speaks ; for notwith- 
standing it is the lot of seafaring men to spend their days in roving 
upon the mighty ocean, yet the only true and blessed means of 
grace are still within their reach — even that grace and truth which 
came by Jesus Christ, which hath appeared unto all men, and 
teacheth all men that believe in it. No class of men have a better 
opportunity of attending upon the means of salvation; and although 
their allotment may be thdught solitary, yet they are saved from 
many temptations, and out of the reach of the contaminating ex- 
ample of wicked men, to which those on shore are daily exposed. 
They have less to draw their attention aside from the great work, 
and more time to work out their souls' salvation, than many of 
their fellow-mortals: — their nightly watches may be turned to 
everlasting account in waiting upon the Lord, in looking for the 
blessed hope and glorious appearance of the great God and Savi- 
our, by his Holy Spirit of grace. No men have greater need to 
acquaint themselves with God and be at peace — they are in jeop- 
ardy every hour, which plainly bespeaks the necessity of their 
being prepared to meet their God, as with their lives in their 
hands. Thus they and the whole bulk of mankind are left without 
excuse — for ' That which may be known of God, is manifest in 
them; for God hath showed it unto them.' The meeting held long, 
but proved a searching solemn season, and although at first a 
gloom seemed to hang over it, eventually every cloud, or feehng 
of this kind, was scattered by that power whom winds and waves 
obey, and it ended well. A considerable number of seamen from 
the different ships with their captains attended — the whole of the 
missionary families here, and one from Feletoa, with many of the 
natives, and also some New Zealanders who were connected with 
the shipping and understood English pretty well. Two of the 
ships in the harbour had intended sailing this morning, but were 
prevented for want of wind. The crews of both were furnished 
with an ample supply of tracts and Friends' writings, with two 
Spanish Testaments, for two men of that nation employed on board 
of them. 

7th. " Notwithstanding the security of the harbour in which 
we are privileged to ride, yet the scanty supply of fresh water is 
a serious inconvenience — there is none to be obtained nearer than 
four miles, on an island where the empty casks have to be rolled 
up half a mile, and when filled, which requires much time to ac- 
complish, they are rolled back again to the water's edge, and 
towed on board as a raft. Having had no opportunity to procure 
any of this most necessary article since leaving the last of the 
Sandwich Islands until to-day, the stock on hand is very small, 
and can only be recruited by small quantities once in the day. 
Since first-day, we have been engaged on board arranging for a 
visit to the two congregations at the island of Otea to-morrow ; it 



DANIEL WHEELER. 259 

being agreed that they shall meet at the same time under the same 
roof. May the Lord be graciously pleased to go before and open 
the way in the hearts of these people to receive the ever blessed 
truth in the love of it, and through the workings thereof, bring 
forth fruit that shall lastingly remain to his praise and their own 
peace. 

8th. " As our vessel was anchored in the track from Neiafu to 
Otea, we waited the coming of John Thomas, who arrived before 
ten o'clock, bringing with him John Spinney and six natives, who 
were then taken from the canoe and placed in our boat with their 
paddles, for the better accommodation of the whole party. On 
landing at Otea, we proceeded towards the other side of the island 
where the meeting was to be held. In crossing the sandy beaches, 
two of which were in our route, exposed to the full blaze of the sun 
nearly at noon, the heat and glare of light were almost insupporta- 
ble, and the want of air when passing through the bush was still 
more oppressive. We staid a short time at the house of the chief, 
whose name is Lazarus, a steady going man among the people; 
and when cooled a little, proceeded to the meeting, w^here the na- 
tives were assembled in readiness. Exclusive of the pulpit, there 
did not appear to be a seat in the whole neighbourhood except 
upon the floor ; some of the people at last brought part of an old 
canoe into the building, for Charles and myself to sit upon. I felt 
in a very low and feeble condition, both as to body and mind, but 
w^hen my certificates were read, I stood up with a salutation of 
love in my heart to the people, which having expressed, I had to 
turn their attention to Him ' Who seeth not as man seeth,' but who 
is a spirit and looketh on the heart. He searcheth all hearts, and 
understandeth every imagination of the thoughts, and to this man 
will He look, even on him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, 
that trembleth at his word. The Christian religion is a heart-felt 
work — it is in the heart we must work out our own salvation with 
fear and trembling, through submission and obedience to the power 
of the spirit of the Lord Jesus, which dwelleth in the contrite and 
humble heart, without respect of persons or of the colour of the 
skin. 'Cease from man whose breath is in his nostrils, for w^hat 
is he to be accounted of Man cannot save his own soul, nor blot 
out a single sin, and how then can he do the work for another, 
which he cannot do for himself? My heart was greatly enlarged 
towards the people; and they listened with apparent attention. 
After remaining some time at the house of Lazarus to refresh and 
rest, we again crossed the island, and resumed our station in the 
boat: we proceeded round the northern part of the island, and 
visited a splendid cavern, into which we rowed with the boat, 
having a canoe to lead the way, conducted by Noah, one of the 
chiefs of Otea, and two chosen natives, also well acquainted with 
the position and entrance to this wonderful place. The great 
height of the vaulted arches above our heads, which are almost of 



260 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

gothic shape, from which are suspended a variety of huge spiral 
masses of ponderous weight, apparently ready to fall — the amazing 
depth and clearness of the water under us, together with the dark 
and deep recesses, which could not be explored for want of a light, 
exhibited a subHme and magnificent spectacle and a specimen of 
those great and marvellous works, incomprehensible to mortal man. 
Fish of large size swam about beneath us, without the least ap- 
pearance of being disturbed by the boat, so great was the depth of 
water between us and them. — In knocking off some of the spiral 
crags within our reach to bring away with us, the echo produced 
was alarming, and as if the whole roof was in danger of falling 
upon' us, 

9th. " King George having arrived from the Harbai Island 
Lifuka, this morning paid us a visit: a Saul-hke man in truth, 
being higher than the rest of the people perhaps by the head and 
shoulders ; he was naked, with the exception of some native cloth 
round his waist. His moral character is highly spoken of, and 
the great prosperity of the Christian profession here, is said to be 
owing to his promptness in the due observance of its rites and 
ordinances : the laws are declared to be good, and he insists upon 
their being executed with rigour. If any disobey or in any way 
are guilty of a misdemeanour, they are severely punished. In the 
afternoon took exercise on shore until dark — Capt. Macey of the 
' Wiscasset,' a serious man, drank tea with us. 

10th. " In the afternoon, called at the mission-house, and found 
that John Thomas was likely to be at liberty to proceed with us 
in our projected visit to a distant station next third-day. 

11th. {First-day.) "Spent a peaceful day on board, collected 
the crew both fore and afternoon for devotional purposes — none of 
them seemed disposed to attend the meeting on shore. 

13th. "Yesterday, sailed the brig ' Lady Wellington :' previ- 
ous to her departure, the crew were furnished with a set of 
Friends' tracts, and a summary of our principles. This morning, 
John Thomas came on board at eight o'clock, A. M., when we 
immediately proceeded down the harbour in the usual way, and 
landed on the western coast of Vavau. The meeting was to be 
held at Hihifo, about a mile from the landing-place, whither we 
went, and met with the chief, Solomon, at his own habitation; and 
as soon as the people were collected, repaired to the meeting-place. 
The places of worship at the distant stations from Neiafu are hke 
large sheds, standing upon props, and open on both sides, but the 
ends are made tolerably close with coarse matting. As there was 
no seat in the meeting, I remained near John Thomas, who occu- 
pied a considerable time in the native language, before reading my 
certificates. When he had finished we stood by each other in si- 
lence, and the people seemed unsettled as if they did not know 
what to expect next, or to whom they should hearken, first look- 
ing upon one of us, and then upon the other — until it was with me 



DANIEL WHEELER. 261 

to caution them against a dependence upon the creature, but to 
endeavour to fix the attention of their minds upon the Creator, who 
is a Spirit and knoweth all things. The darkness hideth not from 
Him — the darkness and the light are both alike to Him, before 
whom the night shineth as the day. My desire was that nothing 
might be permitted to beguile them from the simplicity of the Gos- 
pel of Christ, — that they might not rest satisfied with a mere hear- 
say knowledge of his name, as a Saviour, but come to the know- 
ledge of his Holy Spirit in themselves, and know for themselves 
His Gospel to be the power of God unto salvation. It was with 
me to query, what a profession of the Christian religion had done 
for them since they embraced it ? There had been time for some 
of them to have witnessed something like fruit to be brought forth 
in themselves; for without a change of heart is known, their reli- 
gion will profit them nothing. I felt an earnest engagement of 
mind to turn them to the power of the Spirit of the Lord Jesus in 
their own hearts, which would, if believed in and obeyed, cleanse 
them from sin, create in them a clean heart, and renew a right 
spirit within them. After spending some time with Solomon, the 
chief, who spread a table plentifully for our refreshment, accord- 
ing to native custom, we repaired to the boat and proceeded forth- 
with to the * Henry Freeling.' 

15th. " It was with difl[iculty that an opportunity could be found, 
on account of the increased number of natives upon the deck, to 
sit down together, notwithstanding which, the way opened to our 
comfort. We have latterly understood that earthquakes frequently 
occur among these islands — at times so violent as to stop the clock 
at the mission-house. On First-day last, whilst in the meeting ap- 
pointed for the seamen of the fleet, and before standing up amongst 
them, a considerable shock was sensibly felt by the missionary fa- 
milies then present. Of this, I was not myself aware, although the 
frame work in the roof of the building we were in was heard to 
make a cracking noise at the time. Last second-day evening, 
about nine o'clock, another shock was witnessed at Neiafu, but 
was not perceived by us upon the water: we are told, however, 
that they are sometimes felt on board the ship, and occasion a 
grumbling noise, as if the vessel was passing over a rugged rock ; 
sufficiently loud to alarm all the crew. 

16th. " Remained on board the fore part of the day, while Cap- 
tain Keen and Charles, accompanied by Philemon, an intelligent 
native, ascended Talau, a considerable hill on the island of Vavau, 
to form a plan of Port Refuge, for the benefit of those who may 
follow us at a future day. From this point they were enabled 
with sufficient accuracy to describe the position of this group of 
islands, which are said to be one hundred and two in number, 
known by the name of Haafuluhao, so that any stranger may direct 
his course to Port Refuge in perfect safety, by keeping a good look 
out, which is of course one of the means dictated by common pru- 

23 



262 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

dence in such cases. The depth of water varies at the anchorage 
from sixteen to thirty-six fathoms, with holding-ground of sand and 
coral. From the direction in which the trade-winds usually blow, 
a vessel has generally to beat against it as soon as she comes 
round the southernmost bluff upon the main land of Vavau. The 
deepest water appears to be on the left hand, the whole way up to 
the port ; the distance from the entrance point, from ten to twelve 
miles with ample room for the largest ship to work, with common 
care. In the evening went on shore to consult with John Thomas 
on the subject of leaving our cook, Pedro Nolasko, a Spaniard, 
who is desirous of getting to the Fiji Islands, having heard of the 
probabiHty of meeting with a vessel bound to Manilla, his native 
place. As he is a man of good character, and not likely by his 
conduct to injure the natives, and there being no objection in the 
minds of the missionaries, and the authorities of the place, there 
seems no good reason for refusing to discharge him, agreeably 
with his wishes ; more particularly, as we have just taken on board 
a sailor, William Davenport, one of the survivors from the wreck 
of the ' Active' schooner, among the Fiji group : this man was in- 
tended to work for his food while with us, but he will now come 
in for regular wages, by filling up the vacancy which the discharge 
of Pedro Nolasko will occasion. 

19th. "On Seventh-day, with the exception of taking exercise 
on shore towards evening, we were employed on board through 
the day ; yesterday (First-day^ remained on board all day with 
our own people, having no attraction to the shore. It was a sea- 
son of self-abasedness and poverty, but however humiliating, I trust 
not altogether unprofitable, and one that I have found to precede, and 
perhaps prepare for further service in the Great Master's time : for 
which the prayer of my heart is, that I may be ready, confiding in 
Him, whose power can raise up from utter weakness and make 
strong for His use. To-day sailed the American ship ' Wiscasset,' 
Captain Macey. This vessel was supplied with tracts and the 
writings of Friends, viz. John Woolman's Journal, Thomas Chalk- 
ley's Journal, Bates's Doctrines, Hugh Turford's Grounds, &:c. 
This evening it seemed best to arrange to attend a native meeting at 
Matika, a few miles from hence; the greater part of which distance 
can be performed by boat. As John Thomas was not hkely to be 
at liberty, John Hobbs kindly offered to supply his place as inter- 
preter; but the situation of the neighbourhood is such, that the 
weather must be consulted in the first place. 

20th. " The weather apparently likely to answer for our going 
to Matika, but the coming of John Hobbs, a little uncertain, as he 
had a long distance to travel, and might not be able to procure a 
sufficient number of natives, at an early notice, to paddle our boat. 
This suspense was soon removed by his arrival with a suitable 
crew of natives, and by nine o'clock we proceeded on our way, 
and landed at Feletoa, before eleven o'clock, A. M. Here we got 



DANIEL WHEELER. 263 

a cool resting place, and after an early dinner, proceeded to Matika. 
Feeling unwell soon after, 1 was not in very good trim for moving 
forward in the hottest part of the day, nor for attending the ap- 
pointed meeting, but I well knew that He who had sustained me 
thus far on the way, could strengthen me at his pleasure, to stand 
before the people for His great name's sake. Having now an 
interpreter, to whose abihlies and quahfications in the native lan- 
guage, I was a stranger, it seemed like venturing upon untried 
ground. I soon found that I had no cause to fear on this head, 
but rather to dread the quickness with which he at once compre- 
hended the drift of what I had to say, and interpreted it to the 
people ; however, although every sentence as soon as uttered, was 
rapidly followed, and conveyed to them without hesitation on his 
part, yet with thankfulness I can say, that I never felt less diffi- 
culty in getting on. I had to caution them particularly, not to be 
deceived in looking without, for that which is only to be found 
within, that so they might come to the knowledge of Christ, the 
light of whose Holy Spirit shineth in every heart, and is ' the true 
light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world,' and that 
they might believe in it to the saving of the soul, that so Christ may 
dwell richly in their hearts by faith — that He might be theirs, and 
they might be his, in His Father's kingdom for ever. It was a 
comfortable meeting, and ended well. Great is my desire for these 
people, that their hearts may be directed to the love of God, and 
to the patient waiting for Christ. How great the responsibility of 
those who take upon themselves to introduce the religion of Jesus, 
amongst a simple-hearted people, lest its beautiful simplicity be hid 
from them, by forms and shadows of their own invention ! 

21st. " This morning the ' Mary Anne,' of London, a south-sea- 
man, sailed for the whaling grounds ; sundry tracts were furnished 
for the crew, also a French Testament for a native of France, one 
of her sailors. A few days ago a native offered amongst other 
articles for sale, a copy of the Holy Scriptures in English. I found 
on examining it, that it had been given by the Seamen's Bible So- 
ciety, in London, probably to some ship's library. I purchased this 
book for about eightpence, merely to show the necessity of not only 
inserting the donor's name, or that of the institution by which it 
had been bestowed, but the name of the person to whom it was 
originally given, or to the ship's Hbrary to which it belonged ; it 
would, I think, help to deter from such a misapplication of such 
books. It is very probable that this Bible had belonged to the 
library of the ' Mary Anne,' of London, but this was not specified, 
or it might have been returned to that vessel before she left this 
port, and have served to prevent a similar occurrence from taking 
place in future. We find that sailors, our own not excepted, do 
not hesitate to give articles for a shell or two, far exceeding the 
value of them, regardless of the future ; they will part with a wool- 
len jacket, as a thing perfectly useless to them, because being at 



264 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

that particular time in a hot cUmate, it is not wanted ; and the na- 
tives will accept of almost anything for their shells. If books of a 
pernicious tendency in the English language are found in the hands 
of the natives, such are immediately destroyed ; and books of va- 
rious kinds fall into their hands when bartering with the shipping ; 
they are pleased when they ^an obtain writing-paper, pen and ink, 
or a pencil. 

22nd. " Although many natives were on board, we were ena- 
bled to set aside our bartering to sit down, to wait upon the Lord, 
but it required firm struggling to get into a quiet state of mind ; 
towards the end a little of that strength was witnessed, by which 
only the foes of a man's house can be cast out, and himself left in 
peaceable possession. 

24th. " Yesterday, with the exception of taking the needful 
exercise on shore, as the sun declined, engaged on board getting 
things into train, with the prospect of shortly saihng for the Har- 
bai group of Tonga isles. To-day, employed as yesterday putting 
things in their places. Since it has come to my knowledge that 
the strength of these islands is to be assembled at Lifuka with King 
George of Vavau, and Josiah Toobow, the king of Tongataboo, I 
have not seen the way open for me to move in any direction but 
to Lifuka isle ; and the more I have dwelt upon this subject, the 
more it appears to be the right track for me to pursue. Owing to 
the existing circumstances connected with persons and places, it 
doth not seem practicable for me to complete the object which 
brought us to Vavau, of visiting the people, before the end of this 
month ; and allowing that it could be satisfactorily accompHshed at 
an earlier period, it would be useless to sail for Tongataboo, as 
those competent for the important office of interpreter will have 
left the island to join their brethren at the general assembly about 
to take place at Lifuka. My earnest desire is to be found in the 
counsel of the will of our heavenly Father, to be preserved in 
faithfulness and humble resignation thereunto, and favoured to pos- 
sess my vessel in patience to the end of the race. Could I have 
contrived for myself, I should certainly not have selected Lifuka, 
as the Harbai group is a dangerous archipelago, consisting of small 
islands, shoals, reefs, &c., without any secure place of shelter from 
every wind that blows, and not the least dependence can be placed 
on the published charts of it. But if ' He that bloweth with his 
wind, and the waters flow,' is graciously pleased to direct our way 
amidst the lurking dangers of the deep which await a stranger 
vessel, who hath so mercifully and so often in appalling seasons 
said in effect, * It is I, be not afraid,' — and this too accompanied 
with an evidence so indisputably strengthening, that a poor help- 
less mortal could exclaim, in that humble faith and confidence, 
which condescending heavenly love alone inspires, ' It is the Lord,' 
all fear is then cast out, except what is filial. 

26th. " Yesterday (First-day,) spent the day on board. Col- 



DANIEL WHEELER. 265 

lected the sailors twice in the course of the day for devotional 
purposes. Engaged the fore-part of to-day on board, and in the 
afternoon went up to Neiafu, to endeavour to arrange for visiting 
the natives upon the North shore. The weather being sultry and 
rainy, the clay soil of which the neighbourhood of the landing- 
place is composed, being almost impassable, I found the steep de- 
scent down to the boat extremely difficult and unsafe. 

27th. " Much rain during the night and this morning, which 
prevented my going on shore ; Charles landed for a short time 
opposite the vessel, but was compelled to return from the rain con- 
tinuing to fall. About nine o'clock this evening a shock of an 
earthquake was sensibly felt on board by the trembling of the ves- 
sel — Captain Keen stepped upon one of the chain cables, by which 
we were riding at the time, when the shock was more evident, 
from the connection of the anchor with the earth at the bottom of 
the sea. This is the fourth shock that has been felt since our arri- 
val at Port Refuge. Would that the earthly nature in the hearts 
of all around us, yea the world over, were so shaken, that that 
only which cannot be shaken might remain to the praise and glory 
of God. 

28th. " Still rainy weather. John Hobbs called on board to- 
day, with whom an arrangement was made to visit a native meet- 
ing to-morrow afternoon, should the weather permit us to proceed 
and the people to collect. We learn from John Hobbs that the 
shock of the earthquake last evening, was the most severe he had 
known since his coming to these islands ; it was felt on board the 
American ship ' Russel,' quite as strong as on board the * Henry 
Freeling.' 

29th. " In our solitary sitting this forenoon, we were favoured 
to witness a degree of strength sufficient for the day, to wrestle 
for the blessing. Soon after three o'clock, John Hobbs and our- 
selves set forward in our own boat, with six able natives to paddle ; 
on account of the falling tide we landed at a place much more 
distant from the meeting to which we were going, than would 
have been necessary, if the water had been rising. It was how- 
ever much safer for the boat, with which it behoves us to make use 
of every precaution, to enable her to hold out to the end ; she is 
now leaky and much worse for wear, and was not a thorough 
good one when new. 

" The heat of the afternoon made the extra walking very fati- 
guing, and the current of air to which I was afterwards exposed, 
occasioned considerable pain in my head, but such was the en- 
gagement of my mind, that this bodily annoyance was little re- 
garded. After resting awhile at the house built for the special 
purpose of accommodating the teachers, the meeting commenced ; 
and although I was as an emptied vessel, while the translation of my 
certificates was read, yet shortly after the reading concluded, my 
mouth was opened to turn the attention of the people to that Al- 

23* 



266 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

mighty power who ' is not far from every one of us,' dwelling in 
our hearts by his Holy Spirit, except we be reprobates, * in whom 
we live, and move, and have our being.' He that abideth of old — 
with whom a thousand years are but as one day, and one day as 
a thousand years; from everlasting to everlasting, he is God, 
and changeth not. My desire for this people was, that they might 
become wise in heart, by seeking after that knowledge which is 
life eternal, even the knowledge of the only true God, and Jesus 
Christ, whom he hath sent into the world to save sinners — that 
through the operation of his Holy Spirit, which shines in every 
heart, they might inherit glory, and be numbered among those that 
shall shine as the brightness of the firmament, and with them that 
turn many to righteousness, as the stars for ever and ever ; and 
the fear of God is the way that leads to this blessedness. The 
Gospel of the everlasting kingdom was freely preached to these 
dear people. It was a memorable season, and yielded peaceful re- 
lief to my mind. We reached our vessel soon after dark. What, 
indeed, can we render unto the Lord for all this ! being nothing, 
and possessing nothing, but what we received from Him, the God 
of love and praise. 

1st of Tenth month. " Yesterday engaged on board most of the 
day, making ready for sailing for the Harbai. My attention has 
been drawn, at times, in the course of yesterday and to-day, to- 
wards again attending the native meeting at Neiafu to-morrow, 
and John Thomas and Stephen Raybone calUng on board this 
afternoon, afforded me an opportunity of mentioning the subject. 
John Thomas kindly agreed at once to make way for it, and offered 
his assistance as interpreter. Although so often a partaker of hea- 
venly help and goodness, I am still imploring more ; being increas- 
ingly sensible of the want of it, when looking towards this meeting ; 
that the name of the Lord Jesus may be exalted, to the glory of 
God the Father. 

" Having now every prospect of bending our course towards 
Lifuka, I deemed it expedient, to make an offer to convey as many 
of the missionary families as inclined to go to the congress, telling 
John Thomas, that if they were willing to put up with the want of 
accommodations to which they would be subjected in our small 
vessel, the whole of them might go with us. He expressed a fear 
that such a number would put us to great inconvenience ; but I 
told him, it was themselves that would have to suffer the inconve- 
nience, and if they were willing to undergo it, they must not con- 
sider us, as they would have literally to stow as they could upon 
the cabin sofas and floor, and, perhaps, we might not be out more 
than one or two nights, which would depend upon the wind. The 
distance is sometimes performed in a few hours, when the trade- 
wind is strong and favourable. The shock of another earthquake 
was felt on the night of the 29th ultimo. 

2nd. (First-day.) " This morning I felt a very poor creature, 



DANIEL WHEELER. 267 

both in body and mind, but ' knowing Him in whom I have be- 
lieved,' and unto whom ' all power in heaven and earth is given,' 
prepared to attend the native meeting at Neiafu. We reached the 
mission-house before the bell rung, and accompanied John Thomas 
to the meeting in due time. I sat in a pew constructed for the 
missionaries for some time, and when John Thomas had finished 
speaking, as I thought, went and stood in front of the people, upon 
the base on which the pulpit is erected. John Thomas then came 
down to me, and a general silence prevailed over the assembly, 
which was large, until broken by myself with the words ' Watch 
ye, stand fast in the faith, quit ye like men, be strong.' The burden 
which rested upon my mind was, that these people might become 
the Lord's people ; formed for himself, to show forth his praise, 
that they might become his children, and be taught of him, for all 
the sons and daughters of men, which form his church, are taught 
of the Lord himself — ' In righteousness they are established,' and 
great shall be their peace ; that they might indeed be sheep of the 
one fold, and of the one great and heavenly shepherd, hear his 
voice, be known of him, and follow him. And thus be enabled 
individually to say, from blessed experience, ' The Lord is my 
shepherd ; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green 
pastures ; he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my 
soul ; he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's 
sake.' But the sheep must first learn to know the voice of the 
great Shepherd, when they hear it, from the voice of a stranger, 
that so they may follow him with safety whithersoever he leadeth; 
and those that are the sheep of his fold know him, and are known 
of him. ' My sheep,' said Christ, ' hear my voice, and I know 
them, and they follow me : and I give unto them eternal life ; and 
they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of 
my hand :' ' My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all ; 
and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.' Thus, 
the security and blessedness of the Lord's children, which compose 
his church, are set forth by its Holy Head, the Lord Jesus, that 
great Shepherd of the sheep, and there is no other way for any of 
us to become of this happy number, but that of sitting under the 
teaching of his Holy Spirit, to learn of him, to know his voice and 
be known of him, and be his sheep, and follow him. He will teach 
us humility, meekness, and lowliness of heart. Such are formed 
for himself, do show forth his praise, and glorify him before men, 
by producing the fruit of the Spirit in the sight of those around 
them, openly declaring, by life and conversation, that the. Gospel 
of Christ is the power of God unto salvation, even to those who 
beforetime were in darkness, hateful and hating one another. I 
was largely opened among them, and if it was possible to recapit- 
ulate all that was uttered, words would still fall short and fail to 
describe the heart-tendering solemnity which crowned the meet- 
ing. Towards the conclusion, when about saying farewell to these 



268 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

dear people, as one never to see their faces again, that Almighty 
power, which alone can soften the heart was eminently conspicu- 
ous; tears could not be restrained, but silently and undisguisedly 
rolled dow^n the swarthy cheeks of the sons and daughters of this 
isle of the ocean. 

3d. " Early in the morning the 'Henry Freeling- unmoored and 
prepared for sailing by twelve o'clock: the whole of the mis- 
sionary families, with their servants and luggage being on board, 
we left the well-sheltered harbour of Port Refuge, and retracing 
our steps through the maze of islands into the open ocean, stretch- 
ed aw^ay from the shore of Vavau. A large number of the natives 
attended on board to the last, and hung round the sides of our ves- 
sel until compelled to let go their hold, evincing sincere regret at 
her departure. One of the chiefs of the island of Otea, named Noah, 
a noble man in person, with whom we were particularly acquaint- 
ed, and whom we highly esteemed, wept aloud w^ien he left us, 
and was heard when the canoe was at a considerable distance. He 
was affected by the whole circumstance of parting with all his 
friends, but principally on account of losing an adopted daughter 
who was leaving Vavau for Tongataboo : she had been for a long 
time an inmate of the mission-house. Our passengers consisted of 
John Thomas, wife and child ; Stephen Raybone, wife and child ; 
John Spinney, wife and child ; John Hobbs, wife and five children, 
going U) reside at Lifuka — William A. Brooks, and wife, with nine 
domestics. We had also William Bunubunu, nephew of the late 
Finau, the conqueror of these islands in former days, selected and 
approved by King George, as our pilot for the Harbai group. 
Soon after getting fairty out to sea, the whole of our guests, except 
two of the youngest children, became sick, and some of them re- 
mained so the whole time. The wind became unfavourable in the 
night, and prevented our seeing the isle of Aano, next morning, as 
was calculated upon. 

4th. " When morning came, it was found that we had drifted 
towards the island of Kao, in appearance a lofty mountain of re- 
gular conic shape, rising out of the sea, and evidently a volcanic 
island. By ten o'clock, A. M., the island of Toofoa was fairly 
opened, and the operation of the volcano at the north end, plainly 
to be seen ; vomiting clouds of smoke into the atmosphere, which 
occasionally burst forth with increased strength. It was soon as- 
certained that getting to Lifuka by night, as before anticipated, 
was now quite impracticable, as the wind baffled us during the 
day-time, and was strong through the night ; but shifting two or 
three points after midnight, we fetched well to windward, and after 
making one short tack at the entrance of the reef, before ten 
o'clock, were favoured safely to anchor off the island of Lifuka, 
abreast of the settlement of Mua, in only three and a half fathoms 
water, on fourth-day, the 5th instant. 

" Any vessel less manageable than the ' Henry Freeling,' might 



DANIEL WHEELER. 269 

easily have fallen a victim to the reef, the entrance being narrow 
and intricate, in the v^^orst part of which she had to tack. It is 
probable that few vessels as large as ours ever anchored upon the 
same ground ; and none, however small, ought to venture without 
a competent pilot on board. It is close to this spot that the ' Port 
au Prince,' was wrecked, perhaps thirty years ago : some of her 
remains are visible at this day, and are frequently dug out of the 
sand by the king's order, for the sake of the copper bolts, &c. Of 
recent date, the ' Snapper' was cut off by the natives and lost upon 
an adjoining reef, not far from Mua. Soon after we had anchored, 
Charles Tucker, the resident missionary at this place came off, 
bringing with him James Watkin, who had arrived the preceding 
day from his station on the island of Tongataboo. A double canoe 
was procured which took the whole of our passengers, and lug- 
gage, (fee, at once to the shore. They were safely landed by 
eleven o'clock, to their great relief. The natives soon began to 
visit us, well pleased to see a vessel at anchor off the island, as it 
is but seldom that such a circumstance occurs. 



CHAPTER XVn. 



Island of Lifuka — native meeting — distribution of Bibles, &c. — visit of the king — meeting 
with the missionaries — native meeting—sail for Tongataboo— anchor off the settlement at 
Nukualofa^etter from the Wesleyan missionaries — distribution of clothing and medi- 
cines — a Kava party — visit to the heathen settlement at Mua — restraining influence of the 
missionaries — native meeting at Nukualofa — letter to the missionaries at the Friendly Is- 
lands. 

6th. " This morning early, a turtle of prodigious size was 
sent on board as a present from Josiah Toobow, the king of Ton- 
gataboo, who had arrived here from that island. In the forenoon 
the weather became quite stormy, and the wind coming in from 
the westward, made it uneasy riding in the bay. Charles and my- 
self sat down together as usual to wait upon the Lord, though in 
much poverty and weakness. xA.t noon it threatened to blow 
strong, but shortly afterwards the atmosphere became more tran- 
quil. There was not so much to be apprehended from the anchor 
and cables not holding the vessel, as from the danger of striking 
upon the rocky bottom, had the swell from the ocean been permit- 
ted to come in upon us. The hurricanes which we are told occa- 
sionally occur here, are very awful, levelling with the earth, houses, 
trees, &c., before their tremendous blast; and they generally, if 
not always blow from the westward, the only quarter from which 
we have any thing to fear at this anchorage, as the land and the 
reefs are a shelter on every side, but this : but the Lord's power is 



270 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF "* 

the same here as in every other place — * Mighty to save and to 
dehver' out of every trouble and distress. 

7th. " This morning the natives thronged our decks, with 
trifling oddments of shells for barter ; but the poor creatures have 
but little in their possession to offer. The last violent hurricane 
with which they were visited, destroyed their bread-fruit trees, &c., 
to considerable extent, and materially injured their yams, upon 
which they are usually supported ; and from this serious calamity 
they have not yet recovered. Many of them are now subsisting 
upon the fern, and tea-tree roots, but it is expected that in a few 
weeks from this time, the present complaints of famine will be ban- 
ished by an abundant supply of yams, sweet potatoes, &c. In the 
afternoon, we visited by invitation the mission-house. While there 
it was with me to propose having an opportunity afforded of seeing 
the people, when collected together, at their morning meeting next 
:first-day. On my inquiring about some one to interpret what I 
might have to say to the people, James Watkin, the missionary 
then present from Tongataboo, was proposed to undertake that 
part of the work, to which he kindly and readily assented. May 
the Lord be graciously pleased to magnify his power, and cause 
this stranger and myself to be faithful to him, in performing each 
his office, so that, ' that life and immortality which are brought to 
light by the glorious Gospel,' may be declared to the natives of Li- 
fuka, and others assembled with them to our Maker's praise. 

8th. " Engaged on board till late in the afternoon with the na- 
tives. It is probable that the meeting to-morrow will be very 
large, as the inhabitants from the different islands which compose 
the Harbai group, are now assembled at this place, besides a vast 
number from the Haafuluhau group, and Tongataboo. Oh ! that 
the master of assemblies may be there. To him, who only know- 
eth the motive for my coming amongst them, I commend them and 
myself, humbly pra3ang for help in the needful time, lest the 
cause of truth and righteousness should suffer in such weak and 
feeble hands. 

9th. {First-day.) " Proceeded towards the shore at an early 
hour. We were met on landing by a swarm of young natives w^ho 
appeared to be upon the look out for us. In half an hour the first 
bell rung to assemble the people: this bell might have been spared, 
as the large meeting-house was filled, and a multitude still outside, 
when we passed by, on our way from the boat to the mission- 
house : another extensive building was also filled not far from the 
largest. The natives were indeed gathered together to an extent, 
which we have not before witnessed in the Friendly Islands. 

'* James Watkin kindly conducted me, through the concourse of 
people into an enclosed place in front of the pulpit, on a level with 
the floor, which is only used on particular occasions. Here I re- 
mained unt?il the interval arrived for me to take a station by the 
side of my interpreter, to be in readiness to minister to the people. 



DANIEL WHEELER. 271 

as way should open. I felt no hesitation in going up into the pul- 
pit, believing that even when the most advantageous position was 
chosen, but a small portion of the people, in comparison with 
the whole collected about the house, would distinctly hear what 
was said ; these buildings are open at the side, a circumstance 
which the nature of the climate requires, and which is a special 
advantage at these times, as before has been witnessed by us at 
Vavau. A general stillness now prevailed over this large assem- 
bly, which I thought might be occasioned in the first place, by the 
novelty of two persons appearing in the pulpit, both standing, and 
both silent. It was not long however before I had to turn their 
attention to Him, unto whom the cattle on a thousand hills belong, 
before whom, the secret thoughts of every heart are laid open. 
He seeth us as we really are, born in sin, and laden with inquity, 
helpless, and utterly unable to do any thing for ourselves, of our- 
selves ; for as men and mortals, we possess nothing, and are as 
nothing ; and yet such is the love of God even to a guilty world, 
that of the fulness of His Son Christ Jesus, the Lord, have all we 
received, and grace for grace. 'God so loved the world, that 
he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever belie veth in him 
should not perish, but have everlasting life.' Who among us can 
contemplate the wondrous mercy and utterable love, wherewith 
God so loved the world, without feeling a desire to pour forth a 
grateful acknowledgment of * thanks be unto God for his unspeaka- 
ble gift,' even the gift of His Son Jesus Christ, by whom came that 
grace which hath appeared unto all men, by which grace alone 
* are we saved' from sin and from the wrath to come, ' through 
faith,' and that not of ourselves, for we have nothing and are only 
sinners; it is through faith which cometh from the Son of God, 
who loved us, and gave himself for us, the unspeakable gift, — * the 
author and finisher' of the one true faith, which worketh by love, 
purifieth the heart of those who believe in its saving, cleansing 
power, and giveth the victory over the evil propensities of fallen 
nature, and over every temptation of the devil. 

" My desire was, that these people might not rest satisfied with 
making an empty profession of religion, but * believe in the Lord 
Jesus Christ, and be saved.' Although at the close of the meeting 
I felt as if my strength was renewed for the work, I should, with- 
out such sustaining help, have been dismayed at the burden which 
still rested upon my mind. After the meeting broke up many of 
the people flocked about us ; amongst others, I shooked hands with 
an aged female of rank, considered by the people, higher than their 
king — called Tamaha. King George, himself, was one of those 
who helped to carry her on their shoulders — she being unable to 
walk any considerable distance. Her placid countenance, and 
manner altogether, bespoke that she had good will in her heart to- 
wards us; and the remembrance of the interview, though short, 
always brings with it a feeling of peaceful tranquillity in my mind. 



272 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

11th. "Yesterday engaged on board, bartering for the com- 
modities brought by the natives, of trifling value, we not being 
willing to turn them back, ahhough what they brought was often 
almost useless. In the afternoon landed and conveyed to be depo- 
sited in the mission house, twenty-four English Testaments, six 
Bibles, ditto, six Spanish Testaments, six French ditto, and six 
Portuguese ditto ; one French Bible was given to Charles Simeon, 
a native of France, now settled here. Whaling vessels and others 
not unfrequently, at the present day, fall in among the different 
groups of these islands ; by some on board such, a copy of the Scrip- 
tures is often prized, as we have experienced ; and also individuals 
are here and there to be found, of different nations, whose lot has 
been cast among the natives from a variety of causes, some by 
shipwreck, others by sickness, left by the ships to return if they 
can, or remain the rest of their lives among the natives, wandering 
from island to island ; some marry and bring up children among 
them. If such understand a handicraft business, that of blacksmith 
or carpenter, ship or boat builder, &c., and there is no ardent spirit 
to be purchased, or otherwise procured, they generally fare well 
amongst the islanders. To-day the natives have furnished a sup- 
ply of hogs, but it is almost impossible to procure food for them, 
except the ninita, (papaw) which remains but for a short time in a 
wholesome state. At present the poor people are very destitute of 
the vegetable food, which they are accustomed to subsist on, and 
frequently complain and make signs of being hungry, and yet it is 
out of our power to supply their wants; they never think of killing 
a hog for themselves, they are mostly reared for sale and for the 
use of the chiefs. In the afternoon went on shore with a present 
for King George, consisting of a large chest of tools, a cask of 
flooring nails, a ship's compass, with sundry articles for his queen, 
Charlotte. Some articles had already been given to Josiah Too- 
bow, the king of Tongataboo, when on board the ' Henry Free- 
ling.' To-day we took with us some things considered suitable 
for his queen, Mary, so that no difference or distinction might ap- 
pear on our side, more particularly as Josiah Toobow is an older 
man, and much higher in rank. King George is however very 
assiduous in giving him the preference in every thing. 

13th. "At two o'clock, P.M., Charles Tucker, the resident 
missionary at Lifuka, and his wife, accompanied King George and 
his wife Charlotte, on board to dinner; on taking our seats at the 
table, I told Charles Tucker that it was our practice to endeavour 
to feel a grateful tribute arise in our hearts to Him from whom 
all our blessings come ; they were of course left at liberty ; 
when Charles Tucker called upon the king to ask a blessing, 
he complied in a serious manner. The parties were greatly 
amused with seeing a set of William Barton's Scripture views, 
&c., and I believe were pleased with their visit. We landed to- 
wards evening and walked to the other side of the island for ex- 



DANIEL WHEELER. 273 

ercise ; we found this part wholly enclosed by a coral reef, which 
enables the people to procure fish in almost any weather. 

" When looking towards visiting Lifuka, I thought as the prin- 
cipal part of the Tongataboo people, with their ruler, would be 
assembled here, that I might not have to proceed to that island, 
but I do not find that this will be sanction enough for me to stay 
away from it, as it has dwelt much upon my mind for several days 
past, and therefore I believe it safest for me to go thither, however 
opposed to my own inclination ; but if the Lord's presence does 
but go with me, it is enough, for in His presence only there is 
life, and at His right hand durable riches and righteousness, yea 
pleasures for evermore. The desire and prayer of my heart, and 
I believe it may be added, my greatest delight also, is to be 
found labouring to exalt his great and adorable name, and to pro- 
mote the extension of the blessed Saviour's kingdom in the hearts 
of mankind. On returning to the boat in the evening, several of 
the missionaries were upon the beach, when I told James Watkin 
that I could not pass by Tongataboo, offering him a passage with 
us to his family at Nukulofa. Fearing to let the members of the 
mission separate without requesting a select opportunity with them, 
I told them that I should like us to have an hour or so together, 
in the presence of the Most High, before they separated ; this pro- 
posal was accepted with openness, and every thing made to give 
way for bringing it about. To-morrow evening at six or seven 
o'clock was mentioned as the probable time for our meeting to- 
gether. When we got on board I told Captain Keen, that as 
matters then stood with me, 1 saw nothing in the way to prevent 
our going towards Tongataboo, and that the water casks had 
better be filled up to-morrow, as the beginning of the ensuing week 
might be looked to as the probable time of our leaving this place. 
It is expected that the Vavau missionaries will return in two or 
three days from this time. 

14th. " Engaged on board bartering with the natives during the 
fore-part of the day. A large canoe came alongside before dinner 
with a present from King George, viz. six spears, two bundles of 
native cloth, a large floor mat, and two cowries, which in days 
past were considered the most valuable ornaments worn by the 
rulers of these islands, and very rarely to be met with at present. 
The bearer of these articles is a Portuguese, but understands Eng- 
lish ; and he said that the king was desirous to obtain from me an 
English spelling-book. This token of the king's good will was 
verbally acknowledged, and the messenger himself presented with 
a testament in the Portuguese language. 

" My mind in the midst of many interruptions, attendant upon 
bartering with the natives, and other duties, had to sustain a heavy 
load of exercise, in the prospect of meeting the missionaries and 
their families in the evening, which to my view was no small 
matter. 

24 



274 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

" Landed in the afternoon and drank tea at the mission-house. 
About the time agreed upon, the whole of the families, except the 
wife and young children of John Hobbs, (whose numerous family 
could not be left alone,) assembled in a large room in Charles 
Tucker's house, and sat down together in silence. I endeavoured 
to keep my mind stayed in humble dependence upon Him, who 
commands the morning, and causeth the day-spring to know his 
place ; and after dwelling a considerable time in silence, it was with 
me to bow the knee in supplication unto Him who inhabiteth the 
praises of eternity, and ' covereth himself with light as a garment,' 
and to ask in the name of our Redeemer, that his life-giving pre- 
sence might be near on the occasion, to subdue in us every thing 
that stands opposed to his righteous principle of hght, life, and 
love, that his power alone may rule and preserve our hearts, &c. 
After sitting down again a quiet season was vouchsafed, though a 
further time of silence was to be passed through. There seemed 
much to pass through before the way was fairly open before me, 
to declare the indispensable necessity for each of us to know for 
ourselves the will of God, seeing that Christ has said, * not every 
one that saith Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but 
he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven ;' that be- 
fore we are in a state to be entrusted with the knowledge of the 
Divine will, the will of the creature must be laid low, and subject- 
ed to the will of the great Creator; our bodies must become living 
sacrifices, holy, acceptable to God ; we must be altogether trans- 
formed, and our minds renewed by the power of the Spirit of the 
Lord Jesus, believed in, and operating in us, * that we may prove 
what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God,' as de- 
fined by the Apostle Paul to the Romans. Every thing depends 
upon this knowledge ; — to know the will of God in the first place, 
and then to do it. ' To obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken 
than the fat of rams.' It is those only who do the will of the Fa- 
ther, that shall know of the doctrine of ' His well beloved Son, in 
whom he is well pleased.' 

" The whole of our Lord's precepts must be regarded as binding 
upon His followers ; we cannot choose for ourselves, by selecting 
some parts and leaving others. His example must be followed in 
every thing, in every part, to the denial of self in all things. * He 
that will be my disciple must deny himself, take up his daily cross, 
and follow me,' are the terms which He prescribes ; we must take 
up a daily cross to our own corrupt wills and inclinations. It sel- 
dom occurs, that the path chosen for us, or the thing required of 
us, is what we, as creatures, should choose for ourselves, or can 
very readily yield obedience to; it is against the nature of flesh and 
blood, it does not suit our inclination ; if it were not so, and our 
will was consulted, there would be no cross to take up — it would 
be a sacrifice which cost us nothing. We must be wilHng to part 
with, and to suflfer the loss of all things for Christ's sake ; and in 



DANIEL WHEELER. 275 

following the great example which he hath left us, we must in no 
part thereof deny him before men, nor be ashamed of him and his 
words before men, lest He should also deny us, and be ashamed 
of us, before His Father and the holy angels, according to his own 
awful denunciation against such unworthy followers. 

" It was with me to urge the necessity of their being concerned 
above all things to know the will, and do the will of our heavenly 
Father, both male and female, for both are one in Christ, that so 
all might, by implicit obedience, know for themselves the will of 
God, to be unto them wisdom and righteousness, sanctification and 
redemption by the blood of Jesus. 

" It was a solid and solemn season, the po^ver of Truth was over 
all. Before leaving the shore, I mentioned the probability of my 
again attending a meeting of the natives, on the following first- 
day morning, to which no difficulty seemed likely to present. 

15th. "In the afternoon we went on shore, with a view to get- 
ting things so settled as to insure no failure in my seeing the na- 
tives in their meeting to-morrow. James Watkin again kindly 
undertook the office of interpreter, and I returned on board satis- 
fied with the arrangements agreed upon, and felt a little strength- 
ened to look forward with some degree of humble confidence and 
resignation. 

16th. (First-day.) " This morning, went to Charles Tucker's 
house, to wait until the natives were collected together. On the 
way was much gratified to learn that it was concluded to dispense 
with many of the exercises usually carried on by the missionaries 
themselves at their meetings on first-days. This circumstance had 
come about without my knowledge, although I had before time 
mentioned that the meetings lasted longer than the people were 
able to bear, densely stowed upon the floor, almost without a cir- 
culation of air, in a tropical climate. 

" After I had taken my station by the side of James Watkin, a 
general silence prevailed over the multitude assembled on the oc- 
casion, and in due time my mouth was opened to revive in their 
hearing, that ' Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even 
they shall understand the loving kindness of the Lord.' But the 
first thing to be done in order to partake of the Lord's loving 
kindness, which is better than life, is to believe in the Lord Jesus 
Christ; without this none can behold his w^onderful works, nor 
praise him, for his great goodness to the children of men. When 
the Saviour of the world was on earth, and dwelt among the sons 
of men, he did not many mighty works in some places, because of 
the unbelief of the people. It is the same at this day, for unless 
we believe in the power of his Holy Spirit in our hearts, we can 
never witness any of his mighty works, to be done and wrought in 
us, or be able to call him Lord, by the Holy Ghost. There is no 
way unto God the Father, but by the Son ; and we can never 
know the Son, to be ' the way, the truth, and the life,' without we 



276 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

believe in his power to save to the uttermost, all those that are 
willing to come unto God by him. * For he that cometh to God, 
must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that 
diligently seek him.' Without faith it is impossible to please him, 
but how great is his goodness to the humble believer that feareth 
him; to them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. Yea, 
eternal life is the reward of all those, who by patient continuance 
in well doing, thus seek the Lord with believing hearts. While 
tribulation, anguish, indignation and wrath, will be the portion of 
unbelievers, and of those who are contentious, who disregard the 
shinings of the true light that lighteth every man that cometh into 
the world, who obey not the truth, or the manifestations of the Spi- 
rit of Truth, which convinceth of sin. 

" My heart was enlarged, and the way fairly opened before me, 
to proclaim amongst the people, ' the truth as it is in Jesus,' and to 
tell them that salvation was nigh unto them, that day — it depended 
upon themselves — it remained with themselves — to ' believe on the 
Lord Jesus Christ and be saved.' Not merely to beheve that he 
came in the flesh, and died for the sins of the whole world, but to 
believe in the coming of his Holy Spirit into their hearts, to purge 
away their sins, and save them from the wrath to come, while the 
day of their visitation is mercifully lengthened out. In the same 
love which brought me among them, I bade them all an affection- 
ate farewell in the Lord. Many of them with whom we were 
personally acquainted, flocked round us, to shake hands, amongst 
others, the king and his principal chiefs. And now believing my- 
self clear of the island, we paid a short and final visit to the 
mission-house, and then returned to the vessel, having no other 
prospect before me but that of sailing in the morning towards 
Tongataboo. 

17th. " Unmoored at the earliest dawn of day. Soon after we 
were ready, our passenger, James Watkin, came on board, with 
the whole body of missionaries then at Lifuka. Their stay was 
necessarily short indeed, scarcely longer than while they delivered 
up their letters and parcels, for not a few of their friends and con- 
nexions in Sidney and England. On their departure the anchor 
was weighed, and we immediately proceeded towards the opening 
in the reef, making all sail, if possible, to clear the principal dan- 
gers of the Harbai group, before nightfall. We had a pilot with 
us, a native of Tongataboo, appointed to escort us by Josiah Too- 
bow, the king of that island, by name Azariah, a man well ac- 
quainted with the different channels, but who could not understand 
many words of English. The wind became more opposed at sun- 
set, and instead of our being in tolerably open water, we were en- 
tangled with the long and dangerous reef off the island of Anamoa- 
koo, and were at last compelled to run down to its leeward-most 
point, in order to get clear of its crags. When the sound of the 
breakers thundering upon the reef, could be heard, we were still 



DANIEL WHEELER. 277 

within its reach, but as the noise became fainter, we then consid- 
ered ourselves beyond its outermost point, and ventured to haul up 
to the south south-east, for the night. 

18th. "At day-break, found that we had lost considerable 
ground, during the hours of darkness. This morning the wind 
fresh, but not favourable, and our progress much impeded by a 
head swell of the sea. We beat through the day without appear- 
ing to gain much to windward. 

19th. " This morning the wind strong, and almost directly 
against our course, but about ten o'clock were favoured to get 
sight of Eaueike, owing to a strong current, which had, during the 
night, hurried us away to the eastward, and the wind being strong, 
by noon the island of Tongataboo was distinctly to be seen, though 
the weather was thick and hazy. As we edged away towards the 
passage through the reef, the swell of the sea was brought more 
behind, and helped to hasten us more rapidly forward, so that by 
two o'clock we were abreast of the settlement of Nukualofa, and 
were favoured to anchor safely in fourteen fathoms water, in a 
well sheltered place, except when the winds blow from the north- 
ward and westward. The north side of this island is one mass of 
reefs, rocks, and small islands. Twenty-two of these islands are 
in sight from the vessel, and in several directions the surf breaks 
incessantly upon sunken reefs, which form the principal shelter be- 
tween us and the main ocean. 

" A brig under English colours, was entering the narrow chan- 
nel from the southward at the same time as ourselves, but she took 
a different route from us, after passing Duke's Island, and anchor- 
ed off a heathen settlement, several miles distant from Nukualofa : 
She proved to be the ' Guide,' a Sidney whaling vessel in want of 
supplies. Soon after having anchored, a canoe arrived, and car- 
ried off our agreeable passenger and companion, James Watkin, 
whose wife could be seen on the shore waiting for her husband. 
Having had but little rest for the two past nights, we remained on 
board, and the afternoon turning out wet, but few of the natives 
visited the vessel. It is indeed renewed cause of humble thank- 
fulness to be again and again preserved amidst these dangerous 
and little frequented groups of the Friendly Islands, and particu- 
larly during our stay at Lifuka, where there were but few feet of 
water to spare between the rocks which were visible, and the bot- 
tom of our vessel. Had one of those furious hurricanes been per- 
mitted, which are occasionally witnessed by these islands, her de- 
struction would have been inevitable. The very day after our 
arrival, (as before noticed,) the wind came in upon us, and the at- 
mosphere assumed for a time a threatening and alarming appear- 
ance : but after having been shown our critical and helpless situa- 
tion, and renewedly made sensible that there was no refuge, but in 
that power which winds and waves obey, the storm was hushed, 
and the wind gradually shifted to its usual trade-quarter again, and 

24* 



278 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

the rod was no more lifted up during our stay of about a fortnight. 
Some of the missionaries, who well knew our dangerous situa- 
tion, were perhaps more alarmed for us than we were for ourselves, 
who were comparatively ignorant of many of the local circum- 
stances, peculiar to that neighbourhood ; indeed, one of them after- 
wards acknowledged his not having been able to sleep on our 
account, when the change of weather took place, and the clouds 
gathered blackness in the stormy quarter. 

" We find that a large portion of the inhabitants of Tongataboo 
still retain their heathenish practices, and hitherto could never be 
prevailed upon to cast away their idols. They keep those who 
have embraced Christianity in constant alarm, and cause them to 
keep up a strict watch and to live within strongly fortified places, 
as in a state of actual warfare. 

20th. " A few of the natives came oflf this morning with some 
poor hogs and a few vegetables, but for these and for their shells, 
they seem to have learned how to ask very extravagant prices, 
which is owing, w^e are told, to their having calls not very uiifre- 
quently from our men-of-war, who purchase largely their hogs, 
yams, shells, &c., without regard to price. In the forenoon, 
Charles and myself sat down together in the cabin. It was a 
low season with me, as when the bridegroom is taken away ; to- 
wards the conclusion a degree of strength was graciously aflford- 
ed, although my soul's enemies were still felt to be lively and 
strong. At one o'clock, P. M., landed for the first time at the set- 
tlement of Nukualofa, but the tide being low we were compelled 
to submit to being carried over a part of the reef, the water being 
too shallow to float our boat. James Watkin, with two children, 
was on the beach, ready to conduct us to his house ; and we spent 
an agreeable afternoon with his family. In the course of the time 
we were there, Abraham, the brother of Josiah Toobow, the king, 
came in to see us : — he seems a serious steady man, from forty to 
fifty years of age, and is considered a religious character. 

" The settlement of Nukualofa is surrounded by tall trees, so 
thickly planted, that a man cannot pass between them, having 
several sally-ports or entrance gates, which are secured at night 
in a substantial manner. Outside this wall of trees, which have 
rails connected with them, is a very deep trench, the coral taken 
out of which, forms an additional barrier of defence outside the 
trees, and renders the approach almost inaccessible. It was plea- 
sant to find that the missionaries have lived latterly entirely outside 
these fortifications, without any defence beyond a fence of slender 
cane-work. On returning to the vessel at sun-set, we found a large 
shark hanging to her side, which had been struck with a harpoon, 
by some whalers who had called on board, belonging to the ' Guide,' 
of Sidney." 

The following are copies of letters received while at the Island 
of Lifuka, Harbai : — 



DANIEL WHEELER. 279 

''Lifuka, October lOth, 1836. 
" Dear Sir, 

" We, the Wesleyan missionaries, assembled at our inner dis- 
trict meeting, beg leave sincerely to congratulate you upon the 
hitherto successful prosecution of your missionary voyage, and to 
express the unfeigned pleasure v^e feel in seeing you in this part of 
the great missionary field ; and v^e trust that your eflforts to pro- 
mote the knowledge of the true God, will have had the blessing of 
God ; and that you will have the pleasure of seeing at the right 
hand of the Most High, many who, from among the Gentiles, have 
been turned from darkness to light, by your instrumentality. 

" We beg leave too to offer you our best thanks for the kindness 
you have manifested in bringing five of our members, with our 
families, to this place ; and we pray that. He who does not forget 
the smallest kindness done to the least of His disciples, may re- 
ward you with every needful blessing, both for soul and body, and 
finally grant unto you and yours, 'Eternal Life, through Jesus 
Christ our Lord.' 

" Signed, on behalf of the meeting, 

"John Thomas, Chairman, 
" James Watkin, Secretary." 

'' Lifuka, Harbai, October 17th, 1836. 

" Dear Friend, 

" We, as Wesleyan Methodist missionaries, labouring in the 
Friendly Islands, beg leave at this our annual meeting, to express 
our sentiments to you, in reference to your visiting the various 
mission-stations in these seas. 

" We admire the principle which induced you to sacrifice the 
blessings of civilized society, and quit the land of your fathers, in 
order to witness the glorious effects of the Gospel among heathen 
nations, and preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of 
Christ. 

" We doubt not but you have been richly rewarded in your own 
mind for all the sacrifices you have made, and the privations you 
have been called to endure while prosecuting the great work in 
which you are engaged. We rejoice that the Lord has so signally 
blessed you hitherto in your undertaking, and pray that his kind 
Providence may still preside over you, and make your way plain. 

" We hav^e been very much gratified by your visit to this part of 
the great mission field. We hail you as a fellow labourer in the 
Gospel, and wish you God's speed. 

" The very great kindness which you and your excellent son have 
manifested to us in a variety of instances, has produced a deep 
impression on our minds ; be assured you will long live in our af- 
fection, and we hope, that your addresses and conversation will 
produce their desired effect 

" And now, as you are about to take your departure from this 



280 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

place, we commend you to God, and take an affectionate farewell, 
until we shall meet in our Father's house above. We remain dear 
friend, 

" Yours, affectionately, 
"John Thomas. William Allen Brooks. 

John Hoffs. Stephen Raybone. 

James Watkin. John Spinney." 

Charles Tucker. 

21st. " Landed in the afternoon and made our way to the mis- 
sion-house, taking with us a variety of drugs, and numerous arti- 
cles of clothing for children, for the use of James Watkin's family, 
with a quantity of dresses suitable for the native children. It is a 
great privilege, through the kindness of my dear friends in Eng- 
land, to be able to administer, in some degree, to the wants and 
comforts of those to whom I am most certainly very greatly in- 
debted, and without whose kind and brotherly assistance, my 
mouth, in most instances, must have been closed, as regards de- 
claring the word of Life in the different islands. 

22nd. " In the morning some of the heathen part of the com- 
munity came on board, and appeared pleased at the treatment they 
met with ; some articles they brought, by way of gaining their 
good-will, rather than from necessity, were purchased. Abraham, 
the king's brother, spent a part of the day with us ; after dinner 
he was presented with a broad axe. Landed in the afternoon and 
called upon Thomas Wellard and his wife. 

" The missionaries at the late district meeting, held at Lifuka, 
have concluded it best for him to return to his friends at Hobart 
Town, Van Diemen's Land. The poor man, for whom I feel re- 
gret, has applied to me to give him and his wife a passage to Sid- 
ney ; I can give no answer, it being at present uncertain whether 
a direct course to Sidney from hence will be a peaceful one ; time 
must decide our future destination. All that man can do, is to en- 
deavour to stand in the counsel of the Divine will, and in humble 
resignation wait for its unfolding to the finite understanding, and 
when once ascertained, then do it with all his might. Go thou 
and do likewise, with all thy might, whoever thou art, who may 
perhaps read these fragments, inscribed by one who has trodden 
the narrow path before thee, but who, however unworthy of the 
least of all the Lord's tender mercies, is at seasons comforted in 
believing that he is on the way to the heavenly city, none of whose 
inhabitants can say ' I am sick.' Finding the necessary arrange- 
ments had been made to make the way open for my seeing the 
people to-morrow, when collected in their place of worship, we 
returned on board, and found some of the poor despised heathen 
waiting with a quantity of cocoa-nuts for sale. These nuts are 
such as are only fit for hogs, being too old and rancid for the use 
of the people, who are very short of food at this time. 



DANIEL WHEELER. 281 

" On the we had an opportunity of seeing a Tonga Kava 

party, which took place on the arrival of King Torban from Li- 
fuka — where he had been attending the district meeting. He was 
accompanied home by King George, in honour of whom, probably, 
the entertainment in question was principally given. The Kava ce- 
remony was performed in the open air, the heads of the islands only 
being under cover, and the strangers, if any were present. The peo- 
ple were squatted in regular order, forming three sides of a square, in 
front of their king and chiefs. The fourth side was an open build- 
ing, on the floor of which sat Josiah Toobow, with three of his 
principal men on each side of him, and the admiral of the fleet di- 
rected the different proceedings of the meeting, but Taufaahau 
mingled among those who were to prepare the Kava. As stran- 
gers, we were allowed to sit upon the floor of the building, with 
the rulers of the people, which afforded us full opportunity of see- 
ing the whole process. The root of Kava was, after being well 
crushed with a heavy pole, separated into smaller parcels, and 
handed to different individuals, whose names were proclaimed 
aloud, as being chosen for having good, clean teeth, and sweet 
breath. When they had chewed a mouthful of the root sufficiently, 
it was placed in a cup, made from the banana leaf; these cups 
were finally collected, and their contents emptied into a large bowl, 
employed solely for the purpose. Water was then poured into the 
bowl, and when the chewed root was sufficiently saturated, a large 
bunch of very fine shavings, prepared from the puran bark was 
used as a strainer, and the liquor repeatedly passed through it, 
until clear of all apparent sediment. When pronounced ready, it 
is ordered to be served up, and every cup that is filled is retained, 
until the name of the person is declared unto whom it should be 
handed. We had to take a share of the nauseous liquid, but of 
course, a little served the turn. Many heavy burdens of baked 
food, each brought upon a pole upon the shoulders of two men, 
were laid in front of the king and chiefs, who directed to whom a 
basket should be given. Many of these were ordered to the men 
of the fleet, who were numerous on the occasion, as the largest 
canoes carry at least 100 men. Thanks were repeatedly given to 
those who had the fatiguing part of the work — specially to the 
Kava makers, the food bakers, the chewers, the carriers, and the 
cup bearers. Returned on board as soon as the tide was high 
enough to carry us over the outer reef. 

27th. " Before eight o'clock, A. M., James Watkin came on 
board, bringing with him five natives, to accompany us in an at- 
tempt to procure an interview with a body of the heathen, residing 
at the settlement of Mua, in a fortified position. We left the ves- 
sel forthwith, and proceeded towards the Lagoon, at the entrance 
of which a bay of islands in miniature is formed. At eleven 
o'clock, we were abreast of the settlement, but the boat grounding 
upon a sand-bank, at a considerable distance from the shore, one 



282 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

of the natives, Isaackee, waded to the landing-place, where a num- 
ber of the people were collected on seeing the boat approach their 
territory. Upon being informed by Isaackee who we were, and 
the object of our visit, they denied that the chief was at home. 
Our man returned to us, and said, the chief was not at home, but 
that Charles and myself might land, but not the missionary. The 
appearance upon the shore was not very inviting, as the war clubs 
were seen plainly in the hands of some of the natives. James 
Watkin advised us not to land. I was not satisfied, however, 
without making some further attempt to get among them, and 
Isaackee was despatched again, to say, that our coming on shore 
would be useless, without the missionary to interpret. He did not 
at all hesitate to go, but, apprehending some mischief might arise, 
said, on leaving us, * if they kill me, it will be nothing.' After a 
considerable parley had taken place, our man returned again^ and 
said, that * we might all come on shore ;' but now James Watkin 
refused to accompany us, as the objection had appeared to be 
against him only. I felt a little disappointed at hearing this, but 
concluded to land, at all events, without further debate. Charles 
and myself were then conveyed to the shore by our native boats' 
crew, and although a considerable number of these people imme- 
diately flocked about us, I had not the least apprehension of dan- 
ger, for the fear of man was cast out. We ascertained afterwards 
that at least twenty muskets were pointed upon us, from behind a 
strong wooden fence, in readiness, had any affray taken place. 
We had in our hands only an umbrella each. We proceeded to- 
wards the settlement, under an escort of the people, until we had 
passed through the gates of the strong hold, and at length reached 
the habitation of the chief We found him at home, and with a 
number of his people squatted ready upon the floor, waiting our 
arrival. The chief, perceiving me at a loss to distinguish him from 
the rest, moved aside to the log of an old tree, upon which we both 
sat down together. This, I thought, was correct on my part, from 
the signs that he made to me. He could talk a few words of Eng- 
lish, but could not understand any thing that I said. I made him 
understand that they had a shipwrecked sailor among them, (of 
whom I had heard previously) and made signs for him to be fetch- 
ed, but he did not make his appearance, and was probably ashamed 
of being seen by his countrymen. The chief was evidently de- 
sirous to ask questions, but I signified that without the missionary we 
could do nothing. Some people then had orders to go for James 
Watkin, who arrived in less than half an hour. During this inter- 
val the number of people increased, and a root of the Kava plant 
was laid at my feet, as a token of good-will towards me. An offer 
of some of the liquor was then tendered, which I accepted, to show 
that I had nothing but good-will towards them in return. Some 
persons were then appointed to chew the root, and prepare this 
odious drink, which, in due time, was handed to me. I drank 



DANIEL WHEELER. 283 

some of it before them, and handed the remainder to one of the 
people, which I had learned was a usual practice in such cases. 
James Watkin now entered into conversation with the chief, and 
believing that things were going on smoothly, I proposed that the 
translation of my certificate from the morning meeting should be 
read. It was patiently and attentively heard to the end, with am- 
ple explanation to elucidate the cause of my coming among them. 
I had then to tell them, that the God whom I served is a God of 
love and mercy, and willeth not the death of a sinner, but rather 
that all men every where should repent, return unto Him and live ; 
and that such is the love of God to his creature man, that he gave 
his only begotten Son to save them from their sins, ' that whoso- 
ever believeth on Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.' 
That I was not satisfied to leave their island, without telling them 
of the good things which God hath prepared for those that love 
him: I declared that salvation was come nigh unto them — yea, 
placed within their reach, and that by Jesus Christ, he is Lord of 
all ; through the shedding of whose precious blood the gift of the 
Holy Spirit was received for every mortal, whether son or daugh- 
ter, — for the whole human race — even for the rebellious. I told 
them, that I did not come among them to persuade them to turn to 
this way of life or that way of life, but to turn them from the dark- 
ness they were in to the light of Christ, * from the power of Satan 
unto God.' To this Holy Spirit, the love of God in Christ Jesus 
our head, I desired that their hearts might be directed, and to the 
patient waiting for Christ, that they might know Him to be in 
them * who liveth and abideth for ever.' The above is the sub- 
stance of what I had to express among them ; and though some 
individuals mocked and behaved rudely, saying aloud, ' I wish he 
had done ;' so that James Watkin stopped, and reproved them for 
their behaviour ; yet through all it made no difference with me, 
because the Divine Power was over others, and I believe that its 
influence was felt by the chief, as I observed, when I had finished 
and sat down, that his countenance was entirely changed, and he 
said that ' I had done well in coming.' 

" Afterwards, by way of accounting for their not setting food 
before us, as is their usual custom with strangers, (which I firmly 
believe would have been done, had it been in his power,) he said, 
that they had very little to eat, and that it would be about five 
months before they could have plenty again ; looking forward to 
the rainy season setting in. This I knew to be the case, as the 
famine in all the Friendly Isles was grievous, but more so at Ton- 
gataboo, than at Lifuka, as the bread fruit, banana, yam, sweet 
potatoes, &c., v^ere almost wholly destroyed by a hurricane : they 
were now eating the roots of the banana and tea tree. It has 
been painful to observe how many have complained to us of hun- 
ger : some would put their hands on their stomachs, and exclaim, 
* dead, dead.' It is, however, a certain fact, that in those places 



284 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

where the people are under the control of the missionaries, they 
are much better off for food (although suffering much,) than the 
heathen part of the community. Some of these, called heathen, 
declare, particularly the chief just alluded to, and the other that 
came on board our vessel, that they perfectly understand the na- 
ture of Christianity, and the blessing that it bestows, but say, * if 
we were to follow it we should have to give up all our present de- 
lights — put away all our wives but one, and all our bad habits,' &c. 
They seem sensible of the sinful condition in which they live ; for 
they say, in effect, * it is impossible that we should be saved — it 
cannot be.' Their poor bodies very generally bear the marks of 
violence, from the habit they are in of lacerating and burning 
themselves, as an indication of mourning for the dead, &c. : this 
was strikingly apparent. The little fingers on both hands had 
been in many cases cut off, and offered as sacrifices to avert the 
evils they most dreaded. This we found to be very general among 
those who are called Christians, but more particularly remarked it 
to be the case with those that are grown up ; the rising generation 
of these now retain them. This circumstance we discovered on 
shaking hands with them, from their kings and chiefs down to the 
humblest individuals of their tribes, both male and female. We 
parted from this heathen chief in a friendly manner : his name is 
Fatu. It gave me much pain, to hear from his own mouth, 
through James Watkin, that, amidst all the wretchedness of a 
heathen life, the miseries of his people were greatly increased by 
an intercourse with the shipping : disease was fast sweeping them 
away. 

" It is a lamentable fact, that most of the vessels which touch at 
Tongataboo, come to anchor on the heathen shores, because where 
the missionaries reside at Nukualofa, there is not the same oppor- 
tunity for the crew to indulge in their diaboHcal practices, and 
promote the sale of rum, &c. While we were at Tongataboo, 
two vessels under the English flag, and one under the American, 
anchored near the heathen settlement — where there is much better 
shelter from the sea, it is true, than at Nukualofa ; at the latter 
station, however, the ' Henry Freeling,' rode sufficiently secure. 
Such as do anchor at Nukualofa, are uniformly respectable, and 
the crews under proper restraint : it was quite the reverse with 
those which went to the other place, during our stay at the island. 
It was late in the afternoon before we got back from the heathen 
settlement of Mua. 

28th. " To-day, Josiah Toobow, and Mary, the king and queen 
of the island, with their two sons dined on board, they brought 
with them James Watkin, as interpreter. A prodigiously large fat 
turtle, and a quantity of fine yams, were brought as a present by 
our guests. These yams we understood to have come from Va- 
vau ; that island being hilly, the crops in the vaUies, were more 
sheltered from the late storm, but as Lifuka, and Tongataboo, 



DANIEL WHEELER. 285 

are flat, level islands, no part escaped the fury of this sweeping 
blast. 

" No opening presented, during the stay of our royal visiters, for 
anything like edifying conversation, but I believe the heat and the 
motion of the vessel, made some of them a little sea-sick, as the 
wind was strong and a swell of the sea tumbled in upon us. The 
king, however, expressed his satisfaction with the visit, and they 
were all much pleased with the inside of the * Henry Freeling.' 
The tide being low, our boat could only approach the edge of the 
reef, but the queen, being barefooted, had no difficulty in paddling 
over the coral bottom, a few inches under water. The king pre- 
ferred taking a passage in a small canoe, with a single native to 
manage it. 

29th. " The morning proved boisterous, but we landed for an 
hour about the time of high water, being desirous to speak with 
James Watkin, not feehng easy to let an opportunity pass away 
without improvement, of attending the native meeting to-morrow, 
if it should rest with me to do so. The fleet from Harbai, having 
arrived since last first-day, has increased the number of people 
greatly, who are here, from other islands. I found James Watkin 
ready as usual, to render me every assistance in his power, and 
the morning was mentioned, if it was concluded to come, and the 
weather did not prevent our landing. It may be the last oppor- 
tunity that I shall have to see such a body of the Friendly Island- 
ers together, and such an one as could scarcely have been expect- 
ed to occur while at Tongataboo, and indeed is of rare occurrence 
at any time, if it ever took place before this season. No other 
motive, I trust, prompts in me a desire to avail myself of the 
opportunity thus placed within my reach so unexpectedly, than 
what is induced by that love which embraces the whole human 
family, and would bind all the children of men in the Lord's 
bundle of hfe everlasting. May the shout of a king be heard 
among these people, and the glorious majesty of the spiritual 
kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, be unfolded to 
their understanding, by the same Almighty power which opened 
the heart of Lydia, in days that are over and gone, to His own 
praise and glory. 

30th. {First-day.) " The state of the weather combined with 
other circumstances to weigh down my mind, when looking to- 
wards attending the native meeting ; and the secret prayer of my 
heart last evening was, ' Help, O Lord, for thy great name's sake, 
and for the sake of Him who died, the just, for the unjust, that He 
might bring all mankind unto Thee.' 

" The morning was rough and boisterous, and there not being 
water enough for the boat to pass over the reef into a sheltered 
landing-place, seemed to throw difficulties in the way of our get- 
ting on shore. This being the position of affairs, I determined to 
take an arm-chair from the vessel to render the fatigue of trans- 

25 



286 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

porting us more tolerable to the willing natives, and divide the 
weight more equally between several men : two of these who had 
been watching our movements, were seen wading towards the 
edge of the outer reef, as our boat approached. We were, how- 
ever, at last placed safely upon the beach, without any material 
inconvenience to ourselves, tihough the task was laborious for our 
burden bearers. I felt much discouraged soon after day break, 
and could almost have reasoned myself into a fancied liberty to re- 
main quietly on board, and yet it did not appear that I should stand 
acquitted, unless a firm attempt to get through was first made on my 
part, and proved to be altogether futile and unavaiHng; but before 
leaving the vessel this gloom was measurably dispelled, and I was 
strengthened to press forward, and with humble resignation to bind 
the sacrifice as to the horns of the altar. 

" We had some spare time at the mission-house before the peo- 
ple were collected : — on account of the inadequate dimensions of 
the building to accommodate the thousands assembled, several 
hundreds were left outside, but they endeavoured to keep as near 
as they could to the place where the speaker is best heard. James 
Watkin occupied a short space of time in speaking to the people, 
and then left them in expectation of something from my mouth, 
when a general silence prevailed. — It was not long before I stood 
up in great weakness and fear, and told them that I felt myself to 
be indeed a feeble instrument in a cause so great and dignified ; 
but they might remember, that the Lord's servants formerly, as 
now, had nothing of their own with which to satisfy the cravings 
of a hungry multitude. But when the Great Master was pleased 
to command a blessing, the few loaves and fishes were so multi- 
plied, that there was much more left, after the people were fed to 
the full, than there had been before they began to eat. It is only, as 
He is pleased to qualify any one to speak in his name, and to open 
the understandings of them that hear, that any can be avaihngly 
benefitted, — ' Without me ye can do nothing,' said Christ ; and 
though some may feel desirous to follow Him, in the way of self- 
denial and the cross, yet when an hour of trial comes, such is the 
weakness of the flesh, that we are ready to shrink for fear of man, 
for fear of persecution, and are ready to deny Him, who suflfered 
for us — who died that we might live for ever. But, although, 
without Christ we can do nothing, yet through His strength we 
can do all things — through the strength of His Holy Spirit, in our 
inner man, we can do all things to the praise and glory of God. 
It is in the Holy Spirit of Christ Jesus, that we must believe, and 
wait to hear his voice, and obey him in all things. — This is that 
heavenly Prophet, of whom Moses spake to the children of Israel, 
whom the Lord their God should raise up unto them from amongst 
their brethren: — *A Prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto 
you, from amongst your brethren, like unto me, (said Moses) Him 
shall ye hear in all things ; and the soul that will not hear this 



DANIEL WHEELER. 287 

Prophet shall be cut off from amongst the people/ In due time 
this was fulfilled ; — this Prophet of the Lord was raised up amongst 
the people — born at Bethlehem, in Judea, in whom the fulness of 
the God-head dwelt bodily, and of whom the Holy Father testified 
and said, ' This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, 
hear ye him.' This is the Prophet whom we must hear in all things, 
as the children of Israel in that day heard Moses in all things, but 
w^ith this difference, Moses was only heard while in the flesh upon 
the earth, and this Prophet speaketh from heaven, by His Holy 
Spirit in the heart of man. ' Him shall ye hear in all things, and 
the soul that will not hear this Prophet shall be cut off' from among 
the people.' How needful then for us to wait, and to watch, and 
to pray, that we may hearken, and hear, and obey Him that speak- 
eth unto us from heaven in righteousness, mighty to save the soul 
from sin. It is by the power of the Spirit of the Lord Jesus, that 
our hearts must be cleansed and purified from every defilement ; it 
is this that searcheth all things — our secret thoughts and imagina- 
tions are all laid open before it, and nothing that is unclean or im- 
pure, that worketh abomination, or that maketh a lie, can stand 
before this heart-searching power of the Lord, which, as a fire, 
consumeth all that cannot bear His righteous judgments. But if 
this heavenly Teacher is heard and obeyed in all things, with 
meekness and resignation, fearing to oflfend or grieve the Holy 
Spirit of the Lord, it will purify us even as He is pure, and pre- 
pare us for the reception into our hearts of the spiritual kingdom 
of Christ Jesus. This is the kingdom that men are commanded, 
above all things, first to seek for, with a sure promise of our Lord, 
that ' all things needful should be added' unto them. 

" What then remains to prevent mankind from receiving the 
kingdom of Christ Jesus, which will never have an end, but hard- 
ness of heart and unbelief in his spiritual appearance in man. We 
can scarcely suppose that any one will earnestly seek for that 
which they do not believe can be found. Hopeless and forlorn 
indeed is the situation of such as these. In vain do they say that 
they believe in Jesus Christ as the Saviour of the world, and that 
there is no salvation but by Him — and yet remain strangers to His 
heavenly power, to cleanse their hearts from sin, for want of be- 
lieving that He is come in Spirit, therefore they know him not. It 
is a consideration as aflfectingly awful, as it is true, that although he 
is the Saviour of them that believe, yet wdthout we know and wit- 
ness the power of His Holy Spirit to save us from our sins, he is 
no Saviour of ours; our belief is vanity, and will end in vexa- 
tion of spirit : we are not among them that believe to the saving 
of the soul, notwithstanding all our profession of religion before 
men. 

" This is the substance of the testimony I had to bear amongst 
these people, though but a part of what I had to say; inviting and 
encouraging them, above all things, to seek first, and in earnest, 



288 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

the kingdom of heaven, and the righteousness thereof; — and with 
desires for their present and eternal welfare, 1 sat down. 

" The place was exceedingly crowded, and the people were very- 
solid and attentive. A number of English persons were present, 
probably in part from the shipping. 

" Spent the afternoon on board with our own people. 

1st of Eleventh month. " Yesterday the weather was so bois- 
terous as to prevent our having any communication with the peo- 
ple on shore. This afternoon got on shore for exercise. Believing 
that it would be best for me to leave here a copy of the address 
presented to those in authority at the Sandwich Islands, to be 
translated into the Tonguese language, for the kings and rulers of 
the Friendly Islands; the subject was this afternoon mentioned to 
James Watkin, who concurred in the apprehension that it would 
be useful to them. Under these considerations a fair copy was 
drawn up by Charles, and put into the hands of James Watkin, 
accompanied by the following letter, which was addressed to the 
missionaries at the Friendly Islands. 

" Dear Friends, 

" The annexed, as will be seen on perusal, was addressed to 
those highest in authority upon the Sandwich Islands, and was 
presented when the king, and Kinau, (the female in whom the 
executive power is invested,) with several of the principal chiefs, 
were assembled together to receive it. It was translated at the 
time by the senior American missionary, Hiram Bingham, and 
they afterwards expressed a desire that it should be printed. Al- 
though its contents may be peculiarly adapted to the present state 
of those for whom it was originally intended, yet as the same in- 
terest dwells in my heart towards the inhabitants of the Friendly 
Islands, I thought no harm could arise from presenting a copy of 
it to Josiah Toobow and Taufaahau, the kings of Tongataboo and 
Harbai, as it is possible that some hints may be found applicable, if 
not at the present day, in a day that is to come, to themselves, or 
to those who may succeed them in authority ; at any rate it exhi- 
bits a Christian principle, a standard, round which all nations may 
rally with safety, at all times, and at every period of their exist- 
ence. 

" I am your affectionate friend, in the bonds of the Gospel, the 
soul's truest liberty, 

" Daniel Wheeler. 

" ' Henry Freeling,^ off Nukualofa, Tongataboo, 
lstofl\thmo.,lSm. 

" To the missionaries at the Friendly Islands." 



DANIEL WHEELER. 289 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

Tongataboo — condition of the heathen natives — meeting with the foreigners — visit to a 
heathen chief— parting intervievra with the natives and missionaries — sail from the 
Friendly Islands — New Zealand — anchor in the Bay of Islands— natives on board — visit 
the mission foroily — native meeting at Koua-Koua — an aged missionary — desolating effects 
of intercourse with the shipping. 

3d. *' While on shore yesterday afternoon, for the needful ex- 
ercise, we saw many fine healthy yam plantations coming forward, 
but the poor natives are suffering grievously for want of food at 
present, and yet they do not seem to exert themselves to procure 
an extra quantity of fish, which we find no difliculty in taking. 

" To-day, sent a quantity of tracts on board the * Chieftain,' a 
London whaling vessel, having become acquainted with her cap- 
tain. Got on shore in the afternoon, but the state of the tides just 
now renders these excursions both tedious and difficult. 

" Taufaahau, having accomplished his object of escorting Josiah 
Toobow, back in safety to his own islands, sailed again with his 
numerous fleet very early this morning, but towards evening was 
compelled to return by opposing winds and rough weather ; and to 
be ready to put to sea again, on the first appearance of a change 
in the weather, he anchored his canoes in the neighbourhood of 
the heathen settlements, to the very great alarm of those miserable 
people, who now fully concluded he had returned to chastise them 
for the provoking and insulting conduct of which they had been 
guilty in the morning, when he was about to take his departure; 
The missionary, however, assured us that Taufaahau, had no in- 
tention whatever of meddling with them. From what we saw, it 
is very evident that a trifling cause would at once set them all in a 
flame: both parties carry warlike weapons about with them. 
There are at present seventeen garrisons upon this island ; such 
are the fear and suspicion on both sides, that they durst not live 
out of their strong holds. The heathen party in Tongataboo, al- 
though much superior in number to those who call themselves 
Christians, are the weaker body, in consequence of their own in- 
ternal and perpetual broils, and the dreadful ravages of disease 
brought amongst them by the shipping, which is indeed as the 
' noisome pestilence that walketh in darkness, and as the destruc- 
tion that wasteth at noon-day.' 

" These remarks have reference to Tongataboo only : at Vavau, 
and the other islands which compose the Hafulauhau group, and 
those of the Harbai — the people almost, if not altogether, are sub- 
ject to missionary control, with their king at the head of religious 
affairs, nominally at any rate. It is from these islands that the 
heathen of Tongataboo, have every thing to fear, while Taufaahau 
lives : they know that he is a desperate warrior, and never fails to 
carry all before him, when once roused up. Josiah Toobow is a 

25* 



290 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

very different character, and though leaning to the missionary- 
party, is more despised by the heathen, than feared; while his 
power is much greater than that of Taufaahau, being a much older 
man, the latter is very submissive and subservient to him. If Too- 
bow inclined to go to war, the other would probably unite with 
him at once; and furnish strength and skill not to be resisted, 
which the heathen are well aware of It seems that a number of 
these poor people have now gone on board the canoes of Taufaa- 
hau, that they may get to Vavau, and Lifuka, and become Chris- 
tians, without risking the loss of life from their own kindred ; and 
we are told that many of them would be glad to lead peaceable 
hves, but dare not join the missionaries here, for fear of their neigh- 
bours: at the same time the different tribes are imperceptibly 
mingling together by marriages. All these circumstances serve 
to diminish the strength of these unhappy people, and like a little 
leaven, gradually to prepare them to renounce their abominable 
practices. 

4th. " The swell of the sea setting directly upon the landing- 
place for boats, we remained on board all day ; and Josiah Too- 
bow, with his brother Abraham, spent the afternoon on board 
with us. I feel comfort when looking back, that the opportunity 
of speaking to the people last first-day, was not suffered to pass 
over unembraced, on my part. It is plain now, that if the 
return of another first-day had been waited for, or an excuse from 
the state of the weather been listened to, the precious moment 
would have been lost for ever ; and instead of a peaceful retrospect, 
now at seasons vouchsafed in mercy, to a poor unworthy creature, 
an accusing blot of anguish would have rested upon my mind, 
which the few yet remaining days of my pilgrimage would have 
been too short to obliterate. It was a remarkable circumstance, 
that so many hundreds of the natives should be brought together at 
Lifuka, and again at Tongataboo, with many of whom we had 
become acquainted, first at Vavau and its neighbourhood, and at 
Tongataboo. I recognised, with heartfeh pleasure, Lazarus the 
chief, at the island of Otea — David Afu, the chief at Haalaufulu, 
and others, as people dear to my best feelings. 

" We have now been here more than a fortnight, and I do not 
yet see a way open for leaving the island, an event anxiously de- 
sired by some on board, on account of the exposed situation of the 
anchorage, when some particular winds set in. Two English ves- 
sels, and one American, have anchored off the heathen settlements, 
while we have been here; there the sailors can indulge their hcen- 
tious habits unrestrained ; but as a striking proof of the utility of 
establishments for civilization, it is not so at Nukualofa. 

" I desire to stand in humble resignation as to any further pro- 
ceeding here, or to leaving the place and bending our course to- 
wards New Zealand, and I trust to be enabled to decide with 
clearness before we sail. 



DANIEL WHEELEK. 291 

5th. " The weather being more favourable for landing after a 
sultry night of lightning and rain, we w^ent on shore at four o'clock, 
P. M., and having found my mind drawn towards the remnant of 
English and other white people here, I told James Watkin on his 
inquiring about the arrangements for to-morrow, that I had nothing 
in view towards the natives, but to sit with the English, seemed 
to be my present business, if that could be brought to bear. To 
this, no difficulty appeared ; he said, there would be some part of 
the crew of the whaler, ' Christopher Mitchel,' of Nantucket, (from 
information he had received from Captain Wilbur, who had been 
on shore,) at the meeting for the English to-morrow. I have felt 
a poor creature indeed, for the last day or two, owing perhaps to 
the increased heat of our vessel under deck ; but the Lord can 
deliver, raise up, and strengthen him that hath no might, either in 
body or mind, and can at his pleasure make quick of understand- 
ing in his fear, those that trust and hope in his mercy. May he 
be graciously pleased to cause the opportunity to-morrow, to be 
a time of visitation to some ; cause the earth to tremble at his 
power and presence, as in days of old, when the sea saw it and 
fled, and Jordan was driven back; so may every thing in us, 
comparable to the unstable element, flee before him, and the ever 
blessed truth reign over all to his glory. 

6th. {First-day night.) " Landed about ten o'clock in the 
forenoon : the natives were coming from their meeting as we ap- 
proached the shore ; soon after this the white people assembled to- 
gether. On going into the place appointed for us to meet in, I 
observed that James Watkin had taken a side seat, to show the 
people that he had no part to take in that meeting, and as no hymn 
book appeared in the hands of any one, it seemed as if some pains 
must have been taken to inform them that it would be held after 
the manner of the Society of Friends. I sat down near a table, 
and as those who attended came in, they joined in the silent sit- 
ting of the rest. We had not remained long in this exercise, before 
I was made sensible of that power being nigh, which alone can 
soften the. rocky heart, and cause the earthly nature in man to 
bow before it; and abiding under it, I had in due time to revive 
amongst them the language of the patriarch Jacob, when wrestling 
with the angel, * I will not let thee go except thou bless me,' desir- 
ing that we might individually imitate this noble example, this 
morning, and like him prevail and receive that blessing of the Lord 
which maketh truly rich, and satisfieth the hungry wrestling soul 
with favour. It was then with me to state the true intent 
and meaning of our sitting together in silence before the Lord, 
and the excellency of waiting upon God, as established by the re- 
ligious Society of Friends, from the time of our being gathered as 
a people, as a testimony to the surrounding world of our belief in 
the promise of the Most High God, in the new covenant of life 
and power, that he would write his law in the heart, and put it in 



292 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

the inward parts of man, and that he would be their God, and they 
should be his people ; and they shall no more teach every man his 
brother, and every man his neighbour, saying, ' Know the Lord, 
for they shall all know me from the least of them, unto the, greatest 
of them,' saith the Lord, * for I will forgive their iniquit}^, and re- 
member their sin no more.' We, therefore, desire to know the 
Lord for ourselves, and the only way to come to this blessed know- 
ledge, is to obey his commands and be still. ' Be still, and know 
that I am God : I will be exalted among the heathen : I will be 
exalted on the earth.' Here is the great and glorious privilege of 
the Gospel dispensation, whereby, ' the law of the spirit of life in 
Christ Jesus,' is written in every heart to make free from the law 
of sin and death. None are left without a manifestation of the 
spirit of Christ Jesus, by which all have access unto God the Father, 
who is a Spirit, and must be worshipped in spirit and in truth. 
We, therefore, in our religious meetings, have no confidence in 
the flesh ; we do not look to man as our teacher, whose breath is 
in his nostrils, to assist us in the worship of Almighty God — but 
we wait for the influence of the Holy Spirit of the Lord Jesus, 
to prepare our hearts to perform this worship aright. A manifes- 
tation of this heavenly spirit of grace is mercifully given unto all 
men — it is ' the grace of God which bringeth salvation, and hath 
appeared unto all men,' teaching all men that believe in it and obey 
it, to deny ungodliness ; even the heathen have a measure of this 
heavenly gift dwelling in their hearts, by which, and through 
which, they can worship God in spirit and in truth ; * for I will 
be exalted among the heathen,' saith the Lord, ' I will be exalt- 
ed on the earth.' Before sitting down, 1 told them that I did not 
feel at liberty to leave the island without seeing those of my 
own colour, to set before them the responsible station they held, and 
how much depended upon them and laid at their door, as exam- 
ples to the surrounding nations : the superior advantages they pos- 
sessed over these would be heavy in the scale of condemnation, if 
corresponding fruit was not brought forth: they professed to be 
Christians; had been brought up in Christian lands; had long had 
in their possession the Holy Scriptures, a blessing invaluable, for 
which we cannot be thankful enough : but they are a sealed book, 
until our understanding is opened by the same Holy Spirit, which 
inspired those holy men who gave them forth : even the follow- 
ers of the Lord, when He was upon the earth, could not under- 
stand them, until their understandings were opened by Him. 
Without Him, we can do nothing. The Jews had the Scriptures, 
and yet they were the enemies of Him, of whom they so faithfully 
testify. They felt themselves secure, and thought they had in them 
eternal life ; but what said the Prince of life ; ' Search the Scrip- 
tures, for in them ye think ye have eternal life ; and they are they 
which testify of me, but ye will not come unto me that ye might 
have life.' So that although they are an inestimable gift out of the 



DANIEL WHEELER. 293 

divine treasury, bestowed upon man by the Holy Ghost, for his 
greatest outward heavenly comfort, to strengthen his hope in the 
promises of God, of life eternal through that Saviour, who is Christ 
the Lord, and are profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correc- 
tion, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be 
made perfect, thoroughly furnished unto every good work : and 
although they are able to make wise unto salvation, it is only 
through faith, which is in Christ Jesus, of whom they so abundant- 
ly testify from their earliest pages. And yet, if we could repeat 
them from the beginning of Genesis to the end of the Revelation, 
they cannot save one soul, nor blot out one sin. But they direct 
us unto Him, unto whom all power in heaven and earth is given : 
Who only hath the words of eternal life : Who is himself that 
eternal life. To Him, then, we must go to be saved — in Him we 
must believe; to His Holy Spirit in our hearts we must turn, 
whose Hght shineth in all : His long-suffering, and goodness, will 
lead us to repentance ; when we look on him, whom we have so 
grievously pierced, and from whose reproofs, in love and mercy, 
we have so long revolted, and which we have disregarded, with 
hardness of heart and unbelief in his power to save. This light 
in us, will not only set all our sins in order before us, that we may 
repent of them, and forsake them, but as we abide under the righ- 
teous judgments of the Lord's redeeming love, they will, though 
they may have been as scarlet and crimson, be made white as 
snow and wool, by the blood of the Lamb, and be remembered no 
more by Him who redeemeth our life from destruction, and crown- 
eth us with loving-kindness and tender mercy, for his great name's 
sake. Behold the blessedness of those who * know the Lord' for 
themselves, who have come to the knowledge of the only true 
God and Jesus Christ, whom he hath sent, by believing in the 
power of the Holy Spirit, and sitting under its heavenly teach- 
ings ' this is life eternal.' 

" The foregoing are the principal heads of what came before me 
at the time ; although but a part, it contains, I believe, the sub- 
stance of the whole I had to say to them. We remained on shore 
until sunset, by which time the water had risen high enough to 
allow our boat to come close to the shore. 

7th. " Fixed with James Watkin, this evening, to go to Mao- 
fanga to-morrow, to visit the chief of the heathen fortress, Faka- 
fonua. 

8th. " Landed early and called upon James Watkin, who with 
Thomas Wellard, accompanied Charles and myself to Maofanga, 
the sun was very hot, and having little or no shelter, the walk was 
very fatiguing, though the distance is comparatively short. On 
reaching the fortress, we found the entrance closely blocked up, 
and the keeper inside could not be prevailed upon to open to us, 
declaring that Fakafonua was on board the American ship, which 
we afterwards found to be correct. James Watkin returned with 



294 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

US on board, and on canvassing the subject over, he advised me 
not to attempt another visit. I did not, hov^^ever, feel satisfied,, or as 
if I had done all that might be done, without making further trial ; 
and proposed to James Watkin our endeavouring to fix a time 
with the chief for my coming, if that could be accomplished, by 
sending a confidential person over for the special purpose of doing 
it. We landed in the evening, and after some inquiry, Nathan, a 
nephew of the king, was fixed upon, to settle and arrange the busi- 
ness altogether. 

9th. " Nathan having fulfilled his engagement, came off to us 
at an early hour, to say, that he had been to Maofanga, and suc- 
ceeded in getting into the fortress from a bush entrance, but 
could obtain no tidings whatever of Fakafonua. On considering 
the matter I concluded to land after breakfast, and inquire whether 
there were any other places that we could go to, which was done 
accordingly. James Watkin said that the natives residing to the 
westward, came to the meeting at Nukualofa, and that the few 
heathens towards the other side of the island, were scattered at 
distances too considerable for us to attempt to go in search of 
them. With me, however, there yet remained something to be 
done, and I believed it safest for me to tell James Watkin, that not- 
withstanding the trouble already incurred, and the disappointment 
we had witnessed, I should like to go again to Moafanga, and if 
our object again failed, as regarded seeing Fakafonua, I believed 
that I should then have done what I could. It was not a pleasant 
task to tell James Watkin this, as I knew he was very averse to 
having any thing further to do with this man ; I believe, however, 
he saw that I was bent upon going again to Maofanga, and kindly 
agreed to make another trial to accomplish what I had in view. 

" On reaching the fortress we found the entrance blocked up as 
before, but James Watkin proposed that we should try another 
passage, more private, which he had got a hint of; this, we at last 
got to, and found open, but so narrow that only one person could 
pass through at a time. We soon met with a native who said that 
the chief was there, and having obtained directions to his house, a 
short walk brought us to the place ; where we found seven or eight 
American sailors hanging about. It was not long before Fakafo- 
nua himself made his appearance. Having seen him on board the 
* Henry Freeling,' we were not altogether strangers to each other. 
I took a seat on a log at his right hand, and the natives took up 
their stations upon the floor, with the American sailors, and some 
others. James Watkin entered into conversation with the chief, 
while I endeavoured to keep my mind retired, in a waiting frame. 
At length, I requested that Fakafonua might be told that I had 
been among many of the islands in the Pacific Ocean with glad 
tidings of great joy to their inhabitants, and I was not satisfied to 
leave Tongataboo, without giving him a like opportunity with 
others to repent and believe the Gospel. Believing that it was not 



DANIEL WHEELER. ^ 295 

too late for him to be saved, if the terms of offered mercy were 
accepted on his part: for the xA.lmighty Creator of man, would 
have all to be saved, and that He had provided the means, that all 
might repent and Hve, by his Son Jesus Christ, the light of whose Holy 
Spirit shineth in every heart. I was. fully persuaded, that at times 
he had known something of this light In himself, which had shined 
upon and shown him his sinful state and condition, and which had 
reproved him, and convinced him of his evil deeds ; and though in 
his wickedness and hardness of heart he had rejected and resisted 
the strivings of the Holy Spirit, grieved it, and wounded it, yet a 
day would overtake him at last when its convictions would be too 
heavy for him to bear. ' The spirit of a man may sustain his in- 
firmities, but a wounded spirit who can bear?' exhorting, and en- 
treating him for some time, to repent, beheve, and obey the Gos- 
pel ; to turn to the hght of Christ Jesus in his own heart, follow it, 
and live ; he would then no longer walk in darkness, but in the 
hght of Ufe. Fakafonua interrupted me once or twice to express 
his thanks, and w^hen I stopped, he told James Watkin again to 
thank me, and said, ' I know very well, it is true. I have thought 
of these things, and understand, and am convinced that is better 
to be a ChrisUan, but I can never be one, I am too great a sinner 
to be saved : 1 must remain as I am.' I told James Watkin to tell 
him, that as he knew and understood these things, his condemna- 
tion would be greater on that account ; and certainly his destruc- 
tion would be of himself 

" James Watkin then said that he thought I had better speak to 
the sailors, (who sat and listened with great attention,) I replied, 
' there is no occasion for that, they know very well.' James Wat- 
kin said, ' he thought they did not.' 'Yes,' said I, * there is not one 
of them, but knows very well, that he ought to fear God, that 
knows when he commits sin, and that he ought not to do it, for 
that which may be known of God, is manifest in man ; He hath 
showed it unto him.' Afterwards I found my mind drawn towards 
them, and was strengthened to declare the truth among them as it 
is in Jesus. We then took leave of this poor benighted heathen 
chief, who with his people thanked me and shook hands very kind- 
ly, and I believe we parted better friends, than we were when we 
met. We were offered the juice of the cocoa-nut, and the stupi- 
fying kava, both which were declined. Although nothing may 
come of this visit, yet it is not for me to calculate upon results, 
but to leave them. I felt relieved, and rejoiced that I had made 
this effort, and I believe that James Watkin was not sorry at hav- 
ing accompanied me on this errand, now that it was well over. 
On looking round, my way seemed now clear for leaving the isl- 
and, and before reaching the mission-house, I told James Watkin 
and Charles, that I knew of nothing to prevent our sailing on the 
following day. We called upon Thomas Wellard and his wife, 
and found their luggage could be embarked in the afternoon, and 



296 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

that they had kept themselves in readiness to leave their habitation 
at a short notice. 

"We returned on board before dinner, and informed Captain 
Keen, that all things would be ready with us, for leaving the roads 
of Nukualofa, to-morrow. In the afternoon we collected our 
linen, &c., from the shore, and took leave of James Watkin's 
family, he himself intending to be on board at the time of our de- 
parture. Isaackee, the pilot, was agreed with to conduct us into 
open water, and we bade a last farewell to a mass of the poor na- 
tives, men, women and children, who had crowded to the spot of 
embarkation, having learned, probably, from the pilot, that we 
were about to leave their shores finally. 

10th. " Our decks were crowded at an early hour, with the 
natives, bringing whatever disposable articles they could spare to 
barter, some few vegetables and fowls, and a collection of their 
war clubs, and other implements of destruction which we rejoiced 
to take out of their hands. The morning was for the first time 
since arriving at Tongataboo, calm and cloudy. It afforded, how- 
ever, an opportunity for the natives to dispose of what they had, 
which the usual trade-wind would wholly have prevented, as they 
must have hurried out of the vessel on our beginning to move. 
James Watkin, and Thomas Wellard and his wife, came on board 
before eight o'clock, but the forenoon proving showery, and wind- 
less, there seemed no probability of our getting off to sea. James 
Watkin returned to the shore, intending to come off again to-mor- 
row morning, to see us under weigh ; but at three o'clock, P. M., 
the clouds began to disperse : a signal was made forthwith for the 
pilot, and a nimble native was despatched to the mission-house to 
state that we were about to sail. By the time the last anchor was 
up the parties were on board, and leaving the last of the Friendly 
Islands, (though not the least of them, as objects of our tender 
soHcitude and regard,) we steered through the wide spreading 
reefs towards the open ocean. James Watkin accompanied us a 
considerable distance, until the shore of Nukualofa could be but 
dimly seen ; but however painful the task of having to separate, 
the moment was come for it to be done. We waved to each 
other, while our movements could be seen in the twilight ; and I 
believe parted with sincere regret on both sides. If I mistake not, 
we can mutually acknowledge — ' though lost to sight, to memory 
dear.' 

" The day beginning to close upon us, and the wind continuing 
light, though favourable, rendered it impracticable for the ' Henry 
FreeHng' to get completely through the passage before dark, but 
as it was fully in sight, bearing north of the vessel, our faithful 
compass, as heretofore, became the only guide remaining to us. 
When the sun went down, our pilot, Isaackee, who had been at 
the mast-head for three hours looking out for the reefs, now left 
his post and came down, wishing to be set at liberty from his 



DANIEL WHEELER. 297 

charge, as he would have to take up his lodging upon a small isl- 
and, at no great distance from us, as he could not get back before 
morning to his own island of Tongataboo; and if he had been 
compelled to continue on board until we had got completely out to 
sea, which is the common usage, it would have been too dark for 
him to find the way to the small island, and he might have perished 
in his canoe, if the wind had got up strong. He told us in broken 
EngHsh, but very intelligible, ' Me no like go dead in canoe.' 
This is the same man who ran no trifling risk to gain us admit- 
tance into the heathen settlement at Mua. He was of course well 
paid for all his useful services, and his request to leave us immedi- 
ately granted. 

" Towards ten o'clock, P. M., the breeze freshening up we got 
nicely clear of the island of Tongataboo, and its many lurking 
snares ; and before midnight hauled round its most western point. 

11th. "Stood to the south-west, close to the wind. I stood 
resigned as to our destination, whether it should be New Holland 
or New Zealand, and endeavoured to leave it to my heavenly 
Father to dispose of us according to his own good pleasure, be- 
lieving if it was right for us to go to New Zealand, we should 
be enabled to fetch it, though the wind was opposed to it at that time. 

i2th. " My mind is much weighed down this morning, with a 
load of exercise, which none about me know of; and this is not a 
little aggravated, by an open avowal, that nearly every one on 
board was in hopes we should not go to New Zealand. It was 
suggested to my mind by the grand adversary, ' that as the wind 
was unfavourable for New Zealand, we might safely keep away 
for Sidney, in New South Wales, for which it blew sufficiently 
free.' But I was preserved from listening to this, and strengthened 
to conclude, that it would be time enough for me to bear up when 
the distance was accomplished, and no prospect remained of fetch- 
ing the Bay of Islands. Thus strengthened and supported, we 
held on our way. Soon after this the wind became more favour- 
able, but the current and lee-way together had set us so far to the 
westward, that it was deemed advisable to run still further to lee- 
ward to make sure of escaping the Pilstant's and Nicholson's 
shoals. This circumstance, to appearance, would almost set aside 
the New Zealand question altogether. When night came, our 
captain was so fearful of the shoals that the sails were reduced, 
and the head of the vessel turned again towards Tongataboo: 
this was mortifying, though, perhaps, the safest policy, notwith- 
standing the wind had now become much more favourable. We 
plied backwards and forwards over the same ground until towards 
the break of day, and then made sail to the south south-west, with 
,0. strong easterly breeze. 

13th. (First-day.) " A fresh wind from the old trade quarter, 
at noon, the latitude 23°, 37' south, by observation. Our sailors 
were collected tw^ce in the day for devotional purposes. To-day 

* 26 



298 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

is the third anniversary of our leaving London. We reached the 
* Henry Freeling,' soon after nine o'clock, P.M., at the Lower 
Hope. Many have been the trials and conflicts permitted to over- 
take us, but abundantly more have been the mercies of the Lord 
since that time, overshadowing us by night and by day ; and truly 
our strength has been proportioned according to the necessity in 
the darkest hour of dismay. There hath been no lack of any 
needful thing ; all our wants have been abundantly supplied : and 
that loving-kindness which is better than life, hath at seasons been 
eminently displayed, for our comfort and consolation ; causing the 
Lord's own work to praise Him, and enabling us to give thanks at 
the remembrance of his hoHness ; and I trust, in humble resigna- 
tion and devotedness to renew our covenant, and say, * Not my 
will, O Lord, but thine be done :' if thou wilt be with me in the 
way that I go, here am I a poor unworthy creature. 

14th. " Beautiful weather, with the w^ind free. This day com- 
pleted 180° of west longitude. At noon we were in 179° 54' east 
longitude, latitude 25° 8' south, Cape Breton, New Zealand distant 
640 miles. 

16th. " Yesterday, the latitude at noon 26° 59' south. To-day 
the wind baffling : a heavy squall and the threatening appearance 
of the atmosphere, with a heavy swell of the sea from the south- 
ward, brought us under double-reefed canvass, but the wdnd did 
not materially increase. 

19th. " Since fifth-day evening the weather has been rugged, 
and the wind so scant, that there seemed considerable doubt whe- 
ther we should fetch the north Cape of New^ Zealand, but we still 
persevered in keeping close to the wind. To-day the weather is 
more moderate, with less sea, and the wind in a slight degree, more 
favourable. Not having felt well for the last twenty-four hours, 
perhaps has a tendency to make things about us appear in a 
darker shade than they really are. We sensibly feel the cold 
since coming a few degrees to the southward of the tropic, but 
trust that we shall not be forgotten by Him, who careth for the spar- 
rows, and causeth the day spring of the morning to know his place. 

21st. "Yesterday, assembled the crew for devotional purposes, 
both fore and afternoon. The weather clear and the wind gentle, 
from south-east, to east south-east. To-day several birds have 
been seen, of kinds that indicate that land is not very far off; and 
in the afternoon it was rumoured to be in sight, but this could be 
nothing more than a fog-bank. 

22nd. " In the afternoon land was actually discovered from the 
mast-head, but too distant to determine, with certainty, whether , 
the North Cape, or not. 

23d. " The wind being light and scant for our purpose, it was 
noon before we got close in with the coast, a few miles to wind- 
ward of the North Cape. Towards evening the wind beame more 
favourable, but so little of it, that we could not approach the en- 
trance of the Bay of Islands, before the breeze died away altogether. 



DANIEL WHEELER. 299 

A full moon made it sufficiently light to see our way, but was un- 
availing for want of wind. 

24th. " Becalmed until nearly noon, when a breeze sprung up 
from the north westward, which soon freshened, and enabled us to 
push for the Bay. Before six o'clock, anchored in little more than 
three fathoms water, on a muddy bottom, near the entrance to- 
wards Koua-Koua, after a passage of fourteen days from Tonga- 
taboo ; that goodness which continually endureth, through the love 
and mercy of Him who upholdeth all things by the word of his 
power, having still followed us, and brought us in safety, to the 
desired haven. The Lord of Hosts is his name. Several ships 
under English colours are near our vessel, belonging to London, 
and Sidney, and one American whaler. Before dark, some of the 
principal store-keepers came on board ; it appears from every state- 
ment we have yet received, that an internal war is raging amongst 
the natives, and that some of the missionary stations have been 
totally destroyed, in the neighbourhood of the Bay of Plenty; and 
the country around laid waste, within the sphere of its baneful and 
destructive influence. I find that James Stack, a missionary with 
whom I was acquainted in England, had been compelled to fly, 
(with his wife,, who was then on abed of weakness,) from the scene 
of blood and carnage, to this neighbourhood. We learnt that our 
dear friends James Backhouse, and George W. Walker, were in 
the neighbourhood of Sidney a few weeks ago, from a person lately 
arrived from that place. A few of the natives have been on board, 
but their barbarous and filthy appearance is enough to discourage 
any stranger; perhaps, these may not be a fair specimen, because 
of their intercourse with civilized nations, and their. acquaintance 
with rum. 

25th. " In the morning five or six natives came oflT, but with 
the exception of a hog, they had nothing to sell worth purchasing. 
Two of these appeared to be much out of health with the prevalent 
influenza, which, it is said, has been very general. We intended 
to give each of them a dose of salts, and the first who tried them, 
drank nearly the contents of a tumbler glass, but the other would 
taste what his comrade had been drinking, before venturing, and 
was quite satisfied with what was remaining at the bottom of the 
glass, without wanting a further quantity mixed on his account. 
They seemed desirous to possess an iron pen, and one was given 
to each, with which they seemed pleased. They appear to sufl^er 
very sensibly from the cold, as if a large dirty Witney blanket, 
worn loosely about the shoulders and body was insufficient for 
them. Before noon, the Post-master. Gilbert Maer, came on board, 
who very kindly offered to conduct us to the resident missionary at 
the station of Paihia, and engaged to call for us in his own boat, 
which he did accordingly, and after dinner, accompanied by 
Thomas Wellard and his wife, we set out and landed opposite to the 
missionary establishment, consisting of several good houses, occu- 
pied by its members, and one place of worship. This belongs to 



300 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

the Church Mission, and the senior, and only ordained minister at 
this place, Henry Williams, being from home, endeavouring to re- 
store peace among the contending tribes to the southward, we 
were conducted to the habitation of the lay minister, Charles Baker, 
who had previously crossed the Bay, before we reached Paihia ; 
we were, however, kindly received by his wife, who was engaged 
amidst a large family, one member of which was not more than a 
year old. Before tea was finished, our host arrived, and confirmed 
the kind treatment of his wife, towards us, in a friendly manner : 
when the repast was over, Charles Baker took me into his study, 
when the object of my visit was fully entered into, and an offer 
made me of all the assistance in his power. After attentively 
reading my certificates, he said — he hailed me as a minister of the 
Gospel, and a father, &c. Before leaving Paihia, we visited for a 
short interval the wife of the absent missionary, Henry Williams, 
formerly a lieutenant in the British navy ; they have ten children. 
We were much gratified with this family. It proved a very dark 
and rainy night, but we got well on board. 

26th. " In the forenoon Charles Baker came on board, and 
while with us proposed our calling upon the British resident, James 
Busby ; and having known his father when at Sidney, this offer 
was gladly accepted. James Busby is the only person legally au- 
thorised to act for the British government here; but as he is 
wholly destitute of power, instead of being recognised as consul, he 
is styled the British resident ; as such, a visit was due to him, as 
well as on account of his being our countryman. We were kindly 
received and remained several hours under his roof, before he 
would permit us to leave him. His wife and children are now on 
a visit at Sidney. My Charles having a serious pain in the side, 
owing perhaps to the wetness of the preceding evening, remained 
on board through the day ; but on my return to him in the even- 
ing I found him much recruited. Finding, while with Charles 
Baker, that there was a good opportunity to visit one of the native 
congregations, and that a young man, who is a competent interpre- 
ter, would be furnished with a well-manned roomy boat, I did not 
feel satisfied to let the opportunity pass away without avaihng my- 
self of it. The prospect of moving as it were upon new and un- 
tried ground, was not lessened in weight by a considerable pain in 
my head, which has hung about me for a day or two past, but I 
was enabled to cast my burden upon the Lord, for truly he hath 
hitherto sustained me, and borne up my head amidst the floods of 
many waters. 

27th. {First-day.) " Soon after rising, the pain in my head 
returned, but did not materially increase. We left the * Henry 
FreeUng,' about six o'clock, A. M., in a boat belonging to the mis- 
sion ; which had arrived with our interpreter. It had lightened 
and rained most of the night, and the morning had every appear- 
ance of wet weather. It would have been a relief to me, if my 
Charles could have been satisfied to remain on board of his own 



« 



DANIEL wheeler; 301 

accord, but I did not like to urge it upon him, being aware that he 
was desirous of attending the meeting : though I rather dreaded 
the consequences if he got wet, and thought if the rain kept off 
until after the meeting, and we had dry weather to return to our 
seals in the boat again, it was all I could desire. After rowing 
about two hours and a half, we reached the point of destination at 
Koua-Koua, and found on our arrival at the building, that the custo- 
mary service was going forward, conducted by a native teacher : 
he was at the moment, as were informed, reading the nineteenth 
chapter of Matthew. We went quietly in, and sat down near a 
table. This was a rough building, lately erected, with a few seats 
for the females only. When the native preacher had finished, 
William Colonzo explained to the people the cause of our visit, 
which we could ascertain by the names of the different islands in 
the Pacific, that he mentioned, to enable them the better to under- 
stand its real object. We had not agreed on any particular mode 
of proceeding, but when a suitable time arrived, I stood up by his 
side, leaving the event to my never-failing heavenly Helper. After 
a solemn pause, I warned the people of the necessity of our hum- 
bling ourselves under the mighty hand of God, the judge of the 
whole earth, whom they had professedly met together to worship. 
* God is a spirit,' and without the aid of his Holy Spirit, we cannot 
approach or draw nigh unto Him. How can we worship Him in 
spirit and in truth, without the help and assistance of the Holy 
Spirit of truth, when we cannot of ourselves think a good thought, 
or restrain an evil one. After enlarging on the nature of true spi- 
ritual worship, I had to turn them to the Holy Spirit of the Lord 
Jesus — the light of truth which shineth in every heart. My heart 
was greatly enlarged on this occasion, though a very poor empty 
creature on going into the meeting. 

"When the meeting was over, most, if not all the people, came 
about us to shake hands, which though somewhat irksome to my 
exhausted frame, is much to be preferred to the practice common 
among the New Zealanders — that of rubbing noses together, of 
which we only witnessed a few specimens among themselves. I 
felt unwell in the morning, before leaving the vessel, and much 
cast down, but was now greatly relieved, though the pain still con- 
tinued in my head. The rain kept off until we had got through 
the coarse herbage and rushy plants on our way back from the 
meeting, but we had no sooner resumed our seats in the boat than 
it began to drop, and soon fell smartly. We were, however, well 
prepared for it, so as to keep ourselves comfortably dry over head, 
and about the seats of the boat. The Lord sustained me through 
all this day, and magnified his own name among the people at the 
meeting. It was indeed, the day which the Lord had made me- 
morable to myself, for divine favour, and on which I completed 
my sixty-fifth year. Thus is the thread of my life lengthened out, 
and O, saith my soul, that it may be to the praise and glory of 

26* 



302 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

Him who hath so marvellously redeemed it from destruction, and 
crowned me with loving-kindness and tender mercies. How can I 
sufficiently declare unto others, what hath been done for myself; 
that they also may come to taste and see for themselves His good- 
ness and His love ; and be able to say from heart-felt living expe- 
rience, * Mercy and truth have met together, righteousness and 
peace have kissed each other!' 

28th. " The weather rough, and to us cold. Some of the 
natives came on board, in the afternoon. Being desirous of pur- 
chasing a canoe paddle as a specimen, I was very soon offered one 
for a shilling. Having no money about me I went below, and 
found some quarter dollars, of rather more value than a shilling 
each. One of these quarter dollars was given, and a paddle re- 
ceived in return ; but the man perceiving that I had still a quarter 
dollar left, made signs that he wished to have that also~I sup- 
posed for another of his paddles, which he held in his hand ; but 
on giving him the money, and taking hold of the paddle at the 
same time, the man with a stern countenance refused to let me 
have it — keeping both the quarter dollars for one paddle only. I 
thought it would not be well to suffer this imposition, and demand- 
ed one of my quarter dollars back again ; but he persisted in re- 
taining both the pieces of money. The other paddle was then 
returned to him, which he took into his hand, and I then insisted 
by signs to have my money back again, and the bargain made al- 
together void. He hesitated for some time, but seeing that I was 
determined to carry it through, at last returned me the money, and 
we parted without any further trafficking together. I have no 
doubt but he will behave in a more reasonable manner when he 
comes again. Upon inquiry, I found that nothing will do with 
these people, but firm decided measures — they are daring, fero- 
cious, and insulting if they think that a stranger is afraid of them, 
and are sometimes prompted to commit outrages, but calmness, 
and steady firmness generally prevail with them. 

29th. " Breakfasted early, and proceeded to the missionary 
station at Paihia, where taking in Charles Baker, we pursued our 
route to Tepuna, where the first missionary station was originally 
established. The morning proved rough and stormy, and the cold 
very piercing : the wind being contrary, it was more than two 
hours and a half before we reached our destination. Here we 
saw John King, one of the first missionaries that trod the shores of 
New Zealand, but now so far advanced in years, as to be consi- 
dered at liberty from the general work. He has a family of ten 
children; the two oldest sons are cultivating land on their own 
account. The natives now surviving, are so few, and widely scat- 
tered, that Tepuna is now scarcely considered one of the stations. 
Our visit did not seem to amount to much more than just seeing 
the family, by whom we were kindly received and entertained. 
This family appear to have taken up their residence here for life. 
At one time, a considerable congregation used to assemble, but the 



DANIEL WHEELER. 303 

whole is now laid waste, and the natives, owing to war and other 
circumstances, seem swept off the soil. By the wreck of the es- 
tabhshment now remaining, it is obvious that this station, at one 
period, must have been an important one. We returned on board 
by six o'clock, P. M. Before parting with this ancient mission- 
ary, he asked me, if I had with me ' No Cross, No Crown,' of 
which I thought we had a copy : as he seemed desirous to see this 
book, from a former knowledge of it, care was taken to forward 
the volume, the receipt of which, was afterwards gratefully ac- 
knowledged before we left the Bay of Islands. In the evening, 
James Busby came on board, and kindly invited us to spend 
whatever spare time we had at his house, while we remained in 
the harbour. 

" To-morrow, we expect to go to Korarareka, but are a little 
apprehensive from every appearance at present, that this will turn 
to small account. To-day, sent a parcel of tracts, &c., on board 
the ' Nimrod' whaler, of Sidney ; and the American ship ' Martha,' 
of Nantucket, also a whaling vessel. Arrived, the • Diana,' from 
London, in sixteen weeks, a British South Sea whaler. 

30th. " The day being cold and showery, and there being no 
prospect of any opportunity of speaking to the people, and having 
a stiffness in my right side, I seem unwilling to run any risk by 
going to Korarareka, merely to look at the place, which is all that 
the journey holds out. 

" This afternoon a large ship beat into the bay ; her name not 
yet ascertained. The pleasure formerly arising, on the first glance 
of a vessel, more especially when under the flag of our own nation, 
is now superseded by feelings bordering upon disgust, connected 
with regret and fear, from a knowledge of the accumulated weight 
of sin, iniquity, and wretchedness, they are introducing amongst 
these already sufficiently depraved, and degraded race of barba- 
rous natives, who, like those of the isles we have heretofore 
visited, with one solitary exception, are rapidly wasting from the 
face of the earth, by the loathsome disease brought amongst them, 
and renewed again and again, by these circulating mediums of 
evil. In this dreadful picture, the noble natives of the Friendly 
Islands, are not included, except at some of the heathen settlements 
at Tongataboo. At the other places the intercourse with shipping 
has been but small hitherto, but it is greatly to be feared that at 
these, this evil is on the increase. We have an instance now 
before us of this awful depravity, in a ship that arrived one after- 
noon, and the very next day her deck was swarming with the 
wretched daughters of New Zealand, furnished by their brutal 
chiefs, and in some instances, by their own fathers and husbands, 
principally for rum, muskets, and gun-powder, with other commo- 
dities for barter, to gratify the sensual appetites of their still more 
brutal fellow-men, but of a whiter skin. Circumstances of this 
infamous nature cannot be made too public. The majority of the 
people of England, and that of the most virtuous part of the com- 



304 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

munity, little know at home, the ravages their own countrymen 
are making abroad ; nor can they possibly contemplate the depth 
of the misery, suffering, and aggravated distress, they are inflict- 
ing upon these unhappy and helpless islanders. I have no doubt, 
but there are many who, if they could see what we have seen, 
would wash their hands of the guilt of partaking of luxuries, and 
supposed necessary supplies for the comfort of life, furnished from 
distant and foreign climes through such a channel, much less be 
found deriving a profit through the exertions of these agents of 
Satan, who are thus so extensively and destructively contributing 
to afflict the human race wherever they go. I would say to all, 
individually, who love the liOrd Jesus in sincerity, and are openly 
professing to follow him before men ; ' cry aloud, spare not,' lift up 
thy voice like a trumpet, and make known the transgression of the 
people, and the magnitude of their sin. Let every one that nameth 
the name of Christ depart from iniquity, for the Lord himself will 
assuredly plead the cause of the afflicted and helpless. He will 
hear the voice of their weeping. He will regard their supplica- 
tion. He will receive their prayer. When going last first-day to 
the meeting at Koua-Koua, we met a native taking his wife and 
daughter in his canoe, to one of the ships. Our young friend and 
interpreter, remonstrated earnestly with him, and endeavoured to 
dissuade him from his dreadful purpose, but it was all in vain, the 
man pursued his wretched and miserable errand to the bay. The 
chiefs are the principal contractors between the parties, and reap 
the reward of this iniquity, which, though comparatively small, is 
sufficient to induce these miserable people to continue this in- 
famous and abhorrent traffic, which is regularly systematised 
through the bay ; and a few hours only elapse, after the arrival of a 
vessel, before she is amply furnished with these poor devoted victims. 
1st of Twelfth month. "In the forenoon, we sat together as 
usual, and were favoured to feel a degree of strength sufficient to 
turn the battle to the gate, and check the torrent of dissipating 
thought, which prevents the sacrifice from arising which only is 
acceptable when offered in spiritual purity. In the afternoon, 
went to the mission-house at Paihia. While there, a missionary 
arrived, (an ordained minister of the Church of England,) his 
name Henry Bobart, sent apparently on purpose to conduct us to 
the Waimate settlement. The fatigue and exposure in accom- 
pUshing this journey, though considerable, would shrink into no- 
thingness, if anything bordering upon certainty might be looked 
for, of an opportunity being realised for the exaltation of the dear 
Redeemer's kingdom among the people ; but from what we have 
already witnessed, this place is more an establishment of mission- 
aries and their families, than consisting of a body of seriously dis- 
posed natives ; it will be the cause of rejoicing if it proves other- 
wise: but without going over the ground, the retrospect at a future 
day may be darkened with gloom from a consciousness of not 
having done all in my power to serve the best of masters, in the 



DANIEL WHEELER. 305 

best of causes, by losing an opportunity which can never be re- 
gained of declaring Christ, in man, by His Holy Spirit, the hope 
of glory, to these aflectingly benighted islanders, alike with others, 
the objects of the love of God, and part of that inheritance pur- 
chased by the Saviour's precious blood. Seventh-day morning, is 
at present fixed for setting out towards the Waimate, by boat to 
Keri-Keri, an intervening missionary station. 



CHAPTER XIX. 

New Zealand — visit to the mission station at Waimate — wars among the natives — a fatiguing 
journey — meeting with the mission families — native meeting — meeting with the children 
— return to the ' Henry Freeling' — distribution of tracts — native meetings at Korarareka — 
meeting with the missionaries at Paihia — cannibals — address to the missionaries — sail from 
the Bay of Islands — remarks on the character of the New Zealanders — Lord Howe's Is- 
land — anchor off Sidney — religious engagements there — return to England. 

2nd. " Spent the forenoon on board, and the afternoon at James 
Busby's with Charles Baker, and three others of the missionary 
establishment. James Busby, is an amiable man, and upright in 
all his dealings with the people, and decidedly desirous of promo- 
ting in others that which he conceives to be the duty of man. His 
general character is such, that it vvould be well if more, with as 
clean hands, abounded among the isles of the Pacific ocean : such 
are greatly needed to contribute to improve the present state of 
things as regards the best interests of the natives, while the bad 
example of licentious and worthless foreigners would be checked, 
and to a considerable extent diminished. 

3d. " At eight o'clock, A. M., reached the station at Paihia and 
found that the absent missionary, and senior of the establishment, 
Henry Williams, had returned to his family. He had been to the 
southward to use every endeavour to persuade the hostile tribes, 
who are butchering and devouring one another in a dreadful man- 
ner, to desist and listen to terms of peace. He reports that they 
are determined to persevere in the contest, and though he has here- 
tofore been successful in restoring peace among them, they now 
turned a deaf ear to every proposition which he made to them. 
More than six hundred of these poor creatures have been slaugh- 
tered, and some of the missionary stations in those parts are en- 
tirely broken up for the present. One of their houses had been 
destroyed, some of the families stripped of every thing, and others 
had taken refuge in flight. Henry Williams brought with him a 
boy, whose sister had been murdered in a recent struggle of the 
contending parties. On leaving Henry Williams and his family, 
we proceeded towards Keri-Keri, in a boat well manned by na- 
tives belonging to the mission, having sent our own boat and crew 
back to the vessel from Paihia. We reached the station of Keri- 



306 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

Keri about noon, and were kindly received by James Kemp and 
his wife, the principal resident missionary there. This family, 
came originally from Wymondham, in Norfolk. Just after our 
arrival, a messenger appeared with a note to Henry Bobart, our 
conductor, from Waimate, the object of which was to prevent 
our coming forward, until second-day, on account of indisposition 
in one of the families, as the invalid would, no doubt, be then re- 
cruited. We consequently remained at Keri-Keri and were invited 
to attend their place of worship, next morning, the fourth instant, 
which I did not like to shrink from, however painful and mortify- 
ing — although there was nothing before the view of my mind, be- 
yond the testimony, which we, as a Society, have to bear against 
form without life and power, in the will of man. I think there 
were not ten natives both male and female, and not as many child- 
ren present, and these belong to the household department of the 
missionaries : the Europeans, who were on a raised platform, at 
the other end of the building, were probably twice as numerous 
as the natives. 

" On second-day morning, the 5th inst., a note arrived from 
Waimate, saying, that if the weather cleared up, a cart should 
meet us on the way, but the road was so slippery, the soil being 
clay, and the horses wholly without shoes, that with the present 
rain, the steep hills would be difficult and dangerous to travel 
over. I preferred going on foot to horseback, under all the at- 
tending circumstances, but Henry Bobart and (])harles rode part 
of the way, and then gave up the horses to native boys, and tra- 
velled on foot with me. The rain commenced again before we 
had proceeded far, and increased after the noon-tide of the day ; 
and having to pass through much fern, and high coarse grass, pro- 
cured us a larger share of wet than from the rain which actually 
descended. We were five hours performing the journey, as from 
the state of the roads and lameness, I could only proceed at a 
crawling pace. When beginning to rise the last long hill my 
strength was nearly exhausted, and breathing difficult, when 
we met the principal missionary, William Williams, who having 
been formerly a medical man in Nottingham, and anticipating my 
situation from what he had heard of my age, brought with him a 
sandwich, &c. I told him that a friend in need was a friend indeed. 
Upon the strength of this, and with frequent stops to rest and re- 
cover my breath, I was enabled to reach the summit of the hill, and 
enter Waimate. Every accommodation within the reach of Wilham 
Williams and his wife, was cheerfully afforded us, but the greater 
part of our damp clothes we were forced to keep on. In this place 
we found a well-conducted family, and a peaceful and quiet abode. 
When invited to the family devotion in the evening, we entered a 
large room, where thirty boys were assembled, the children of the 
missionaries, but such was the quiet order of the establishment, I did 
not know they were in the house till that time, nor that the house 
was a school, although we had then been three hours under its roof. 



DANIEL WHEELER. 307 

6th. " Rested but little during the night, but rose early to join 
the family before breakfast, and remained in the house most of 
the day, on account of my lameness and the weather continuing 
so wet, that the garden walks served only as channels to carry oS' 
the superfluous water from the surface of the neighbourhood. 
Drank tea at George Clark's. 

7th. " The weather still showery, but fine at intervals. Had 
an opportunity afforded of seeing the manner in which the natives 
prepare the fern root, at present the principal article of their food. 
This root has a remarkably astringent property, and is admirably 
calculated to counterbalance the effects of fish and bad potatoes. 
Although well beaten after being roasted, it still retains a strong 
fibre, which is separated from the more pulpy substance in the 
chewing, and thrown away by the eater. It requires good teeth 
to obtain a sufficient support from it. 

9th. " Yesterday, my lameness but httle gone off, and no open- 
ing presenting for religious service, my situation altogether requir- 
ed renewed and continued exercise of faith and patience, the 
weather too unsettled to undertake the journey back to Keri-Keri. 
This morning, the state of the weather more promising. Before 
breakfast, it crossed my mind, that a proposal might be held out, 
that if we would stay over next first-day, an opportunity would 
be afforded for seeing the people collected : after breakfast, I men- 
tioned to our host, that as the weather appeared more favourable, 
we should be thinking about returning to the Bay of Islands. The 
anticipated proposal was immediately drawn forth, for us to remain 
over first-day, to see the natives collected. I then stated, that 
we left the vessel unprepared for so lengthened a visit, but as this 
offer was now made, I did not dare to run away from it, acknow- 
ledging at the same time, that our clean linen was exhausted. 
This difficulty was soon surmounted by our hostess, who insisted 
upon getting every thing we had immediately washed. At nine 
o'clock, being informed that a considerable number of the natives 
w^ould be collected from a distance, who would not be present on 
first-day, it seemed safest for me to attend on the occasion. We 
repaired to the building pointed out, and a goodly number soon 
collected in the place. Finding that the manner of conducting the 
meeting was wholly left to my disposal, we settled down into 
silence, until I was strengthened to declare amongst them, in an 
encouraging manner, the truths of the everlasting Gospel, turning 
them inward to the true minister of the sanctuary, and of the true 
tabernacle, which the Lord hath pitched and not man, who teacheth 
as never man taught, and speaketh as never man spake, by the 
Holy Spirit, in the hearts of the children of men the world over. 
There were some tender people present, the Lord's power was 
over us, and my heart rejoiced. 

10th. " The weather being much improved, we were enabled 
to take what exercise I could bear without retarding the cure of 
my lameness. Late in the afternoon, William Williams informed 



308 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

me that the usual meeting of the whole estabhshmeiit of missiona- 
ries and their famihes would be held in the evening, querying 
whether I could not join them. I said but little in return, but in a 
while found that I must avail myself of this opportunity, and at a 
suitable interval told William Williams, that on considering the 
subject, I should like to have a little time afforded me at that meet- 
ing; and knowing their mode of conducting these meetings, I men- 
tioned as the best time, the interval after the chapter in the Testa- 
ment was read. He directly asked, if I wished that any chapter 
in particular should be selected or read, I replied in the negative, 
saying, it would make no difference with me. In due time the 
meeting commenced, when individuals were fixed upon and named 
to lead the first and second prayer; when these were gone through, 
a hymn was sung as usual, and then the twentieth chapter of the 
Revelation was read by Wilham Wihiams himself. When this 
was concluded, we dropped into silence, to the surprise, no doubt, 
of many, as but few could have come to the knowledge of the re- 
quest which I had made, from the shortness of the intervening 
space of time, between that being done, and the meeting assem- 
bhng. After a solemn pause, I stood up with the words of the be- 
loved disciple, when on the Isle of Patmos in the day of the Lord's 
power and presence in spirit, for the Word of God and the Testi- 
mony of the Lord Jesus ; ' Unto Him that loved us, and washed 
us from our sins in his own blood, and hath made us kings and 
priests unto God and his Father ; to Him be glory and dominion 
for ever and ever. Amen ; declaring that this language was what 
I desired they might be all enabled to adopt from their own 
blessed experience ; and proclaiming amongst them the glory of 
the Gospel day, ' When the earth shall be filled with the knowledge 
of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea,' — showing the indispen- 
sable necessity of our possessing the true faith of the Gospel, once 
dehvered to the saints, and still delivered to all true believers in the 
spiritual appearance of its only Author and Finisher in the heart 
of man, at this day; which faith worketh by love, purifieth the 
heart, and giveth the victory over sin, and the evil propensities of 
human nature. This is the faith of the Son of God, who loved us 
and gave himself for us ; and is only bestowed on the simple, hum- 
ble, child-like, and obedient followers of the lowly Jesus, in the 
way of self-denial and the daily cross ; these henceforth live not 
unto themselves, but unto Him who died for them and rose again. 
The dear children were directed to hearken to that voice which 
saith, * I love them that love me, and they that seek me early shall 
find me.' It was a solid opportunity — the goodliness of man was 
laid low, as in dust and ashes, before the power of an endless life. 
1 1th. {First-day.) " Since last sixth-day morning, way has 
opened in the minds of those about us, in a remarkable manner to 
my humble admiration, as if the ever-blessed Master had directed 
our steps to a place, where He himself intended to come, in his 
own appointed time ; in condescending mercy to a poor way-worn, 



DANIEL WHEELER. 309 

unprofitable servant It was now proposed by William Williams, 
that I should attend their place of public worship, and that after 
the customary service was gone through in the New Zealand lan- 
guage, according to their prescribed forms ; he said, ' if you have 
a word for the people, I will interpret for you.' This was more 
than I had looked for, or dared to hope, but a few days ago : and 
although not exactly accordant with my own views, or if 1 might 
have chosen for myself, what I should have proposed ; yet I have 
of late, I think, learned to be willing almost to become all things, 
and to submit to all things, however humiliating to the creaturely 
part, that would lead to an opening for me to proclaim to others 
the glad tidings of salvation, through a Saviour's love. At the 
proper time, we accompanied William Williams and family to the 
place of worship. That I might not be at a loss, he said, when 
they had gone through their part, he would come and conduct me 
to the proper place in front of the people, which was raised higher 
than the platform to assist the speaker's voice. 

" We sat on one side of the congregation, on a low form, attract- 
ing the attention of many, by retaining our seats, while all, but our- 
selves, stood, or knelt, as occasion required. When all was gone 
through, William WilUams threw aside his surpHce, and fetched 
me to the appointed spot, where we stood together in silence, until 
I reminded the people that, we were in the presence of Him, with- 
out whose knowledge a sparrow cannot fall to the ground: but, 
though heaven is his throne, and the earth his footstool, yet to 
this man will he look, even unto him that is poor, and of a contrite 
spirit, and who trembleth at the word of his power. I had then 
largely to testify of the love of God, as it is in Christ Jesus, and to 
turn the attention of the people to the light of this unspeakable Gift, 
which shineth in every heart, who, once in a body of flesh, spoke 
to man upon the earth, but now speaketh from heaven, by the Holy 
Spirit, and to all that believe in it, and obey it, it is the power of 
God unto salvation. The countenances of some of these dear peo- 
ple, spoke louder than words, that they had fallen upon the stone 
of Israel — their brokenness could not be hid ; to such, the message 
of everlasting love flowed freely, and I humbly trust, was as a 
shower upon the thirsty soil. It was an open and relieving season. 
It was the Lord's doing, and I believe, marvellous in the eyes of some 
present. There were several European families, besides those of 
artisans, attached one way or other to the mission, which, with the 
boys' school and the natives of the surrounding neighbourhood, 
formed a considerable body of people ; but the praise was His alone, 
who wrought the work, and surely some of these were constrained 
to render unto Him his due. In the afternoon we attended the meet- 
ing again, but my lips were closed up. It afterwards appeared, 
that some were looking after words, and were disappointed. 

12th. "Before getting up, I found there was something gather- 
ing upon my mind, towards the children in the school; and know- 

27 



310 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

ing that the whole family would be collected together at seven 
o'clock, I thought it best to speak with William WiUiams, without 
loss of time. Meeting him soon after, I told him that I wished to 
have a little time in the course of their usual family devotion that 
morning, mentioning the time after the chapter had been read, as 
most likely to answer my purpose, and not interfere with them ; — 
for this, he readily made way. As the whole company are accus- 
tomed to kneel down at the conclusion of the chapter, I thought 
there might be a httle unsettlement on this account, particularly as 
the boys knew not of the alteration, but with a simple motion of the 
master's hand, all remained in stillness. After sitting silent awhile, 
I revived our Lord's expressions, ' Herein is my Father glorified, 
that ye bear much fruit, so shall ye be my disciples,' spoken to 
his immediate followers, when comparing himself and them to 
the vine and its branches, so beautifully illustrative and instructive : 
*As a branch cannot bear fruit, except it abide in the vine, no more 
can ye, except ye abide in me. He that abideth in me, and I in 
him, the same bringeth forth much fruit, for without me ye can do 
nothing.' How then can we glorify the God and Father of our 
Lord Jesus Christ, or exhibit in the sight of others that heavenly 
badge, which designates his true disciples, without him. I had, 
also, to remind the younger branches present, of their privileges 
and advantages, far above the lot of many, in their being placed 
under such care, in a situation so guarded, where every thing is 
conducted for the promotion of their best welfare, governed by 
the law of love and kindness: beside having the Holy Scrip- 
tures read to them daily, which point to the Saviour, from their 
earliest pages, by holy promises and prophecies, fulfilled in the ful- 
ness of time, to every jot and tittle, that after ages, through pa- 
tience and comfort of them might have hope, and which are also 
able to make wise unto salvation, through faith, which is in Christ 
Jesus; and yet they cannot be understood without the assistance 
of the same Holy Spirit, which inspired the holy men that gave 
them forth. The disciples of our blessed Lord could not compre- 
hend them, even when he himself was with them, until he con- 
descended to open their understanding; neither can we understand 
them aright, but by him, for ' without him we can do nothing.' 
And we can know nothing of the things which belong unto God 
the Father, but through the Holy Spirit of his Son. And, al- 
though all are not called to be apostles, or prophets, or teachers, 
or workers of miracles, yet we are called to glory and to virtue, 
with a high and holy calling, to show forth the praises of him, who 
hath called us out of darkness into his marvellous light, by bring- 
ing forth the fruits of love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, 
goodness, faith, meekness, temperance, wrought by the power of 
the Spirit of the Lord Jesus, in our hearts. After bidding 
them an affectionate farewell, in the Lord, I sat down. After 
breakfast, preparation was made for our departure, but from one 
cause or other, this was delayed until near noon. During this in- 



DAXIEL WHEELER. 311 

terval, I called to see the wife of one of the ministers of the mis- 
sion, who has long been an invahd, but is now considered in a 
state of convalescence. It arose in my mind to tell her, that, it is 
by these things we live, and by this, is the life of the spirit, that 
inherits the kingdom, and retains it in meekness and lowliness, 
praying always with all prayer and supplication, watching there- 
unto. Henry Hobart and W. R. Wade, accompanied my son 
Charles on horseback, but a cart being provided, on account of 
my lameness, I was conveyed in it a large part of the journey. 
We reached Keri-Keri, by five o'clock, and having nothing to de- 
tain us there, concluded to proceed towards the Bay of Islands, as 
soon as a boat could be got ready, and were subsequently favour- 
ed to reach the vessel soon after ten o'clock, P. M., and to find all 
well on board, which was cause of thankfulness on my part, as the 
neighbourhood of the bay is a very dissipated and wicked place. — 
We had been absent ten days. 

17th. " Since returning from Waimate, and getting well rested, 
I have nearly got rid of my lameness. In the day time we have 
been engaged selecting school materials, for the use of the native 
children, from the stock presented to us by the British and For- 
eign School Society, in England ; also a variety of religious and 
temperance tracts, with clothing for the native children, to con- 
siderable extent, conveying them to the station at Paihia, in the 
evening. On fifth-day, we sat down together in our usual way, 
and were favoured to get into the quiet. For some days I have 
been waiting to see what was likely to open for me, in the line of 
duty, and now find that the minds of some in this neighbourhood 
have been turned towards me, who have it in their power to lend 
a hand of help, to forward the work in which I am engaged. 

"This morning, Charles Baker came off to say, that there would 
be an opening for my going to Korarareka to-morrow, to attend 
the native meeting — and that afterwards there would be a meeting 
held for service among the English residents in this neighbour- 
hood, &c. He also said that Henry Williams and himself had 
concluded to prepare a notice, stating that a member of the Soci- 
ety of Friends would be there, (perhaps mentioning my name,) 
and would give them an address. To avail myself of the oppor- 
tunity of attending these meetings was a duty from which I was 
not satisfied to shrink, but I could not agree to the notice without 
its being worded in such a manner, as that none would be disap- 
pointed, if I should have nothing to say to them. He said, the 
notice was so qualified, that that would be fully understood, by all 
the parties. 

18th. (First-day.) "Charles Baker came on board in the fore- 
noon, and we proceeded with him up the bay, and landed at Kora- 
rareka. A considerable time was then occupied in going round to 
the different native huts, to rouse them up and persuade them to 
attend the meeting. I could perceive that Charles Baker availed 
himself of the circumstance of my having been among the islands 



312 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

in the South Seas, with the glad tidings of the Gospel, when one 
of the chiefs immediately asked, ' if the people of those islands had 
listened.' I am not aware of the reply of our interpreter to this 
question, though we fully understood the sort of conversation going 
forward, by the names of the different islands that were mentioned, 
but the chief who was then lying upon the ground, wrapped in a 
large Witney blanket, seemed determined to attend the meeting, 
though not in the habit of so doing, and quickly starting up retired 
into his hut, but soon made his appearance again, dressed in Euro- 
pean clothing, and was about the first man to go into the meeting, 
when the bell rang. Charles Baker occupied a short time with 
them in the native language, but they came in, in such a straggling, 
careless manner, that they had scarcely all assembled before he 
had finished ; and I took it for granted that he had explained to 
them the cause of my coming among them. The number was 
very small, altogether, but the love of the Gospel flowed towards 
them, as numbered among those, for whom the Saviour died, and 
rose again, that they might live. The truths of the Gospel were 
sounded among them ; they were invited to accept the terms of 
salvation, then proclaimed — * Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and 
be saved.' They were directed to turn inward to the true light, * that 
lighteth every man that cometh into the world ;' for this light is 
Christ, the light of the world, and the Saviour of the world, who 
by his Holy Spirit, shineth in every heart. In this light they must 
be willing to believe, which would not only show them their sins, 
but if these were forsaken and repented of, would save them from 
their sins. With more words they were exhorted and entreated 
to repent, believe, and obey. The people were very attentive and 
solid ; may the Lord soften their hearts, and inchne them to ponder 
the things which they heard spoken. The interval was short, after 
this meeting concluded before the next was to begin. We dined, 
upon the contents of our pockets, and distributed what we could 
spare, to the boat's crew of natives ; but we were not in a neigh- 
bourhood where a drink of water could be readily procured, be- 
fore the people began to gather, who now appeared in numbers far 
more than had been contemplated. The families which had at- 
tended the missionary establishment at Paihia in the forenoon, now 
crossed the bay in their boats to this meeting, who, with some 
well-disposed persons from the shipping, and others, perhaps, 
prompted by curiosity, amounted to about seventy persons. I sat 
more than half an hour, while Charles Baker went through what 
he considered himself bound to perform, but never under a feeling 
more destitute and more sensible of weakness and inability, and 
yet the present appeared as an opportunity afforded almost in spite 
of myself to declare that the Son of God is come into the hearts 
of all true behevers, and in boundless love and mercy is still stand- 
ing and knocking at the door of the hearts of all ; and to those 
who are wilHng to hear his voice, open unto Him, and receive his 
Holy Spirit, he will come in unto them, and if his purifying and 



DANIEL WHEELER. 313 

cleansing operations are patiently submitted to and abode under, 
with full belief in his power to save, their sins, though many, if 
repented of, will be purged away through his blood, and remem- 
bered no more. Of this, I had largely to testify, (after a short in- 
terval of silence, when Charles Baker had sat down,) as no new 
doctrine, but an incontrovertible established truth, having holy writ 
for its author without us, and an evidence which liveth and abideth 
for ever, within us, even in our own hearts, for * He that hath the 
Son of God, hath the witness in himself,* his law is written in the 
heart : the law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus, which makes 
free from the law of sin and death. The necessity of a serious 
examination being entered into individually was urged, to ascer- 
tain whether we are in possession, and what we really know, of 
the law written in our hearts — the law of the Spirit of Life in 
Christ Jesus — the faithful witness against sin and transgression, 
which keep the soul of man in darkness and in death, but he that 
hath the Son of God hath life, and he that hath not the Son of God 
hath not life, but the wrath of God abideth on him. After this 
manner I was led amongst them, and we were favoured with a 
solemn season together, though the opportunity was brought about 
in an unusual manner, and agreed upon in the first place without 
my knowledge, or any suggestion of mine. 

25th. {Flrsl'day.) " Our time much occupied during the past 
week in preparing despatches for our dear friends in England, and 
taking occasional journies to the shore for exercise, &lc. On fifth- 
day last, we had a visit from Nathaniel Turner, the senior Wes- 
leyan Missionary at Hokianga, with whom I became acquainted 
at Hobart Town in 1834. From all we have seen. New Zealand 
is at present a barren soil, where religion does not thrive. With- 
out any previous knowledge of the real state of things at Hokian- 
ga, \ never saw my way to make an attempt to visit its neighbour- 
hood, either by sea or land, both of which routes from the Bay of 
Islands are considered to abound with difficulties at this season of 
the year. Nathaniel Turner said, that the state of the road is so 
bad at this time, that he believed I could not, at my age, accom- 
plish a journey thither, but that they should be glad to welcome 
us, if it could be done. 1 am fully aware that the undertaking 
-would be attended with many difficulties and much fatigue ; but if 
I felt the same inducement to go there, which has hitherto enabled 
me, as it were * to run through a troop' of difficulties * and leap 
over a wall' of opposition, all the statements we have had of the 
difficulties by land, and the danger by sea, should not deter me 
from endeavouring to reach it. 

" Having been invited to attend a meeting to be held this even- 
ing, by the whole of the members of the mission at Paihia, at the 
house of Henry WilHams, and believing it best for me to be there, 
we landed in time to take tea with the family. When the meeting 
was gathering, Henry Williams asked me if I would like to 

27* 



314 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

read a chapter in the Bible. I told him my eye-sight was failing, 
and declined the offer, at the same time requesting that a little time 
might be afforded me when the reading was over ; adding, that if 
I had any thing to say to them, they should have it. The chapter 
had not been long finished before I stood up, which produced a 
general silence. And after referrring to the affecting example of 
the dear Son of God, as set forth in the language of inspiration, 
' Lo, I come to do thy will, O God,' I told them that I was among 
them in the bonds of the Gospel, and was desirous of being found 
in the counsel of this will, which is ever excellent, and stood re- 
signed to minister in the ability which might be afforded, and 
hoped to be faithful thereunto on the present occasion ; declaring, 
that it is only those that do the will of the Father, that shall know 
of the doctrine of the Son. His doctrine shall descend as the 
dew, and as the small rain upon the tender herb, upon those that 
do the Father's will: they shall inherit substance, eternal sub- 
stance; the Hving and substantial truth, pure and undefiled, 'as it 
is in Jesus :' truth in the inward parts, which the Lord desireth. 
Such are the Lord's children, and compose his church on earth ; 
they are all taught of Him, in rightousness shall they be estab- 
lished, and great shall be their peace. This is the heritage of the 
servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the 
Lord. There is no way of becoming of this blessed number, but 
by a knowledge of the doctrine of the Son, our Lord and Saviour 
Jesus Christ. ' This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased ; 
hear him.' This is the will of God the Father, and those who are 
faithful in doing this, shall assuredly be taught of the Son ; they 
shall know of his doctrine ; in righteousness shall they be estab- 
lished, and great shall be their peace. In this way Lwas engaged 
to turn the minds of all present, to the teaching of the Holy Spirit 
of the Lord Jesus, which would lead them safely along through 
time, and sustain them in a boundless eternity. This appeared to 
be well received: a solemn feeling spread over us, under which 
we separated. 

31st. " Remained on board with our own people last first-day. 
Most of the week has been employed in preparing documents for 
England, a vessel being nearly ready to sail from hence. On fifth- 
day, our little meeting was held as usual. On sixth-day, a propo- 
sition was made to pay another visit to Koua-Koua, next first-day; 
but not feeling any thing towards it, I declined going. When on 

shore yesterday, I met with a missionary, by name Wilson, 

just arrived from the seat of war, having been driven with his 
family from the station occupied by him. The account he gives of 
their vindictive barbarism and cannibalism is truly horrifying. On 
his way, he had to pass by a piece of raised ground, upon which the 
heads of the vanquished were placed, with their faces to the sun, 
as they are seen to most advantage in this position. A human 
heart was stuck upon a spear as a token of victory. He saw one 



DANIEL WHEELER, 315 

tribe returning from the battle-field, loaded with human flesh to 
feast themselves and their friends upon. Miserable women and 
children followed these in train, after the mangled remains of their 
husbands, sons, brothers, and fathers; themselves captives, and 
doomed to slavery the rest of their days. He saw a child with a 
man's head, which had been given him to play with, amusing him- 
self by putting his fingers into the eyes, nostrils, &c. Who can 
wonder at their hardness of heart, when thus trained from infancy 
to habits of savage and unfeeling cruelty and barbarism, by their 
own parents and friends ! At one place which they were destroy- 
ing with fire, their conduct was really fiend-like. In one instance, 
a missionary family had been plundered by their own congrega- 
tion : the reason assigned by these people for this shameful con- 
duct was, that they expected the missionary was about to leave 
the neighbourhood, (probably taking for granted that the property 
would fall into the hands of their enemies.) 

1st of First month, 1837. {First-day.) "Remained on board 
all the day low and stripped, like her who had lost her Lord, and 
knew not where to find him. Assembled the crew both in the 
forenoon and afternoon as usual. It seems as if something was 
gathering upon my mind towards all the members of the mission, 
in a collective capacity, and standing in resignation, I felt some- 
what relieved. Closed our letters intended to go by the * Vestal' 
to England — this vessel being on the eve of -sailing. 

6th. " Much of our time has been spent on board this week, 
owing to different persons coming from the shore on second, third, 
and fourth-days. Nearly the whole of fifth-day was occupied by 
the removal of Thomas Wellard's luggage. The boat which he 
brought to fetch it away in, having broken loose from the natives, 
was detained away several hours from our vessel before she could 
be regained. To-day I learned that the missionaries from Waim- 
ate, who had been generally over at Paihia during the time called 
Christmas, with those from Keri-Keri, had all returned to their 
own stations, which at once set aside my seeing them in a col- 
lective capacity, which I had a little thought of, but had apparently 
been prevented from moving in ; and now the time was gone past, 
this brought me under a painful exercise of mind at the time. To- 
day the wind is so strong as to prevent our getting on shore, our 
vessel tumbling about, almost as if she was not in a harbour. In 
the forenoon we held our little meeting, which had been set aside 
yesterday by the confused state of things on board. My state was 
similar to that of the heath in the desert, which knoweth not when 
good Cometh ; and as the barren mountain top, where there is 
neither dew, nor rain, nor fields of offering. The accuser of the 
brethren seemed to have prevailed against me. I was smitten 
and wounded within — and a wounded spirit who can bear? The 
strength of the wind continued through the night, and some rain fell. 
7th. " Early this morning the wind lessened, and the rain fell 
without intermission through the day, which not a little contributed 



316 LEifTERS AND JOURNAL OF ' 

to darken the gloom already spread over my mind. My Charles 
at the same time was unwell, with a sore throat and other symp- 
toms of a violent cold. 

8th. (First-day.) " To-day, the rain fell at intervals, in light 
showers, our sailors were assembled as usual, and in the afternoon 
two strangers joined us from the shore. I had to testify that the 
Almighty has not left himself without a witness in every heart, 
which shineth as a light in a dark place — which is no other than 
the light of the Holy Spirit of the Lord Jesus, * the true light that 
lighteth every man that cometh into the world,' &c. My mind 
has since felt more peaceful than before this circumstance. This 
afternoon the ' Chieftain,' a British whaling vessel, which was at 
Tongataboo at the same time as the ' Henry Freeling,' arrived in 
the Bay of Islands. 

9th. " This morning got on shore, and took measures for dis- 
charging the debt contracted by the vessel. 

11th. " Yesterday, employed in disposing of articles of hard- 
ware, &c. The way seemed now to open with clearness, be- 
fore leaying New Zealand, to draw up an address to the mission- 
aries, stationed at Paihia, Keri-Keri, Waimate, Tepuna, &c., and 
all the members belonging to the ' Church Missionary Society,' 
(as it is denominated by themselves,) employed at New Zealand ; 
and as I endeavoured to keep close to this prospect, it more and 
more brightened before me. 

12th. " We held our usual meeting, and although a low time, 
felt comforted and peaceful. In the afternoon, took exercise on 
shore, after having been detained on board, by one circumstance 
or other, nearly a fortnight. As the way opened, I began to com- 
mit to paper, from time to time, the matter which arose towards 
the members of the mission. 

15th. {First-day.) " Believed it my place to remain with our 
people on board, feeling nothing towards the shore, and being well 
aware that the whole neighbourhood of the bay, except where 
missionary interest prevails, answers nearly, if not altogether, the 
description of the place, where Satan's seat is. 

16th. "Engaged in writing a fair copy of an address to the 
members of the mission. — In the evening, went on shore for ex- 
ercise, and thinking that those at the station at Paihia, might 
suppose I shunned calling upon them of late, I told Charles 
Baker, that seeing their members could not be collected together, 
as had been the case at the Sandwich and Friendly Islands, I was 
preparing a written address to them ; at the same time informed 
him that the time of our departure from the bay was drawing near. 
This evening, the ' Ganges,' of Bristol, Rhode Island, an American 
whaler, arrived from the neighbourhood of Madagascar, not far 
distant from New Zealand; her boats were engaged in pursuit 
of whales, and affecting to relate, when night came on, one boat 
was missing altogether. There was no trace whatever of this dis- 
astrous event : whether the boat had been dashed in pieces by a 



DANIEL WHEELER. 317 

whale, or towed under water when fastened to one by a harpoon, 
or had lost sight of the ship, and could not find her again before 
night overtook them — no one can give the least information what- 
ever. The captain, fourth mate, carpenter, and three others, were 
in this boat when she left the ' Ganges.' The ' Ploughboy,' of 
Nantucket, and the * Hansel,' Gibbs, of Fair Haven, with another 
American whaler, have also arrived — and the ' Bolina,' of Lon- 
don, merchant ship, from Cloudy Bay, in the South part of New 
Zealand. 

17th. " Yesterday and to-day, employed in getting ready for 
sea. Having parted with considerable weight of iron goods out 
of the hold, and our general stock of stores and provisions being 
greatly lessened, I thought it needful to procure a quantity of 
stone, lest the vessel might be endangered by being too light in the 
w^ater, and thus rendered unable to carry sail in a comfortable 
manner. James Busby, the British resident, very kindly supplied 
our wants, from the margin of his estate, which is washed by the 
sea. In the morning called upon Charles Baker, and afterwards 
took leave of James Busby, by whom we had been treated with 
much kindness and hospitahty. 

18th. " The vessel being ready at day-break this morning, the 
* Henry Freeling' got under weigh and dropped down the bay op- 
posite the station at Paihia, and anchored again. We landed in 
the forenoon on the north side — settled our accounts, and bade 
farewell to the parties as we went along. My address being co- 
pied fairly, revised, and corrected where needful ; and various arti- 
cles put together to remunerate the natives, for various services in 
boats, &c., we landed in the evening for the last time at Paihia, 
and delivered them with the address to the care of Charles Baker, 
at whose house we drank tea. As a reward of industry, and as 
an encouragement to persevere, we presented to a native farmer 
of promise, who goes by the name of industrious David, a spade, 
ship axe, drawing knife, small saw, and a bunch of gimblets. We 
also gave a Bible to a Sheffield woman, the wife of a blacksmith 
residing in the bay, and numerous articles of clothing to the native 
children. Two Dutch hoes and a spade for Charles Baker, with 
sundry drugs and glass bottles for James Stack were also landed. 
We called upon all the resident families, and saw those who had 
been forced from their stations to the southward by the war, before 
we returned on board. On leaving the shore it was quite calm, 
but before reaching the vessel a light land breeze sprung up. The 
night being moonlight we weighed and steered towards the entrance 
of the bay with a fine breeze in our favour. At half-past nine 
o'clock, Gilbert Mair, the Port-master, with whom we had had 
some considerable traffic, who had very kindly brought us oflfsome 
milk, and accompanied us until clear of all danger, left us in his 
own boat, with a crew of natives, and I believe, sincerely desired 
for us a prosperous voyage. At midnight, we were clear of the 



318 



LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 



islands which form the entrance to the bay, and from which, it is 
probable, the appellation of the Bay of Islands was originally taken. 
Through the night steered N. W. by W. by compass, in order to 
keep well off the North Cape. 

" Though I may long have to mourn over these poor miserable 
natives of New Zealand, on account of the lamentable state of 
things by which they are surrounded, and bound down as with 
chains in the service of Satan, and the dupes of his agents who are 
mingled among them, of a lighter coloured skin, but in many in- 
stances, it is greatly to be feared, the very scum and offscouring of 
the nations which gave them birth, and not a few of these mine 
own countrymen — yet under all these unhappy circumstances, the 
New Zealanders are a noble race of men, and though far behind- 
hand in that gentleness and docihty which characterize the swarthy 
multitudes who inhabit the more sultry climates in which the 
Georgian, Society, Hervey, and other Isles of the Pacific ocean are 
placed, certainly possess great energy and firmness of character. 
This though unhappily in their present, lost, and undone, and I 
may add, betrayed condition, is only devoted to the most horrid 
and barbarous purposes, for the destruction of their fellow-men ; but 
if the day should ever come, when the benign principles of the 
everlasting Gospel take root and spread among them, soften their 
hearts, and prepare them for that wisdom from above, which is 
pure, and peaceable, and profitable in all things to direct their 
native zeal (now dreadfully misapplied) into the love of God, and 
love to man, they would then far outstrip those who have long 
since made a profession of the Christian religion, but who have 
only a ' name to live,' in exalting and promoting the spiritual king- 
dom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, in the heart of man, to 
the praise and glory of God, and the welfare of their own species. 
With this view of a deeply injured race of my fellow-creatures, 
constituting a part of the innumerable inheritance of the Lord 
Jesus, I leave their shores with a peaceful and easy mind — at the 
same time, comforted under a belief that the address to the mis- 
sionary establishment will now circulate to every member, many 
of whom, could not possibly have been present at a transitory in- 
terview, however regularly convened and appointed. On looking 
at this subject, I have thought that the conflict of mind I have lately 
had to pass through, might be the means graciously vouchsafed, to 
beget in me a willingness to prepare the address. My desire is, 
that by it, and through it, the great name may be exalted, and the 
kingdom of Christ Jesus in the heart better understood and be- 
lieved in, than heretofore has been the case, in the minds of many. 
May the Lord on high prepare the ground, in which it may, as 
seed, be sown, and bless it with fertility to bring forth fruit that 
will lastingly remain, that He may be glorified thereby. 

" The following is a copy of a letter from the missionaries at 
Paihia. 



DANIEL WHEELER. 319 

t " Church Missionary Society's Station, Paihia, Bay of Islands, 

" Neto Zealand, ISth January, 1837. 

" Reverend and dear Sir, 

" Before you bid adieu to New Zealand, we take this oppor- 
tunity of expressing the pleasure, and we hope, the edification we 
have derived by your unexpected coming to this country. 

" We had heard of your benevolent mission to other islands of 
these seas, but we now have to record the higher gratification of 
having seen you and your aflfectionate son amongst us. 

" We regret, that circumstances of war and tumult have not 
made it desirable for you to visit the more extensiv^e field of our 
labour, south of the Bay of Islands. But we do hope, that the 
places favoured by your Christian example and addresses, may 
have seen and heard to profit, and that ' at the last day' it may be 
found that your sojourn here has not been in vain. 

" One effect of your visit to New Zealand has been to remind us, 
that though 'there are differences of administrations, it is the same 
spirit' which actuates the whole of Christ's mystical body, ' the 
Church of the first-born, whose names are written in heaven.' With 
gratitude, also, we have to acknowledge your liberal bestowment of 
school-books, tracts, clothing for natives, medicines, &c., which 
will remain behind you as a memorial of your Christian kindness. 

" The pleasure of our meeting together, is, alas ! now embittered 
by the painfulness of separation ; — ^but our high calling entitles us to 
the privilege of a friendship which is not interrupted by distance or 
time. We cannot, however, at your advanced age, and the im- 
mense distance which will ere long separate between us, but be 
solemnly reminded of the affecting words of the venerable Apostle 
to the elders of Ephesus, ' And now I know that ye all among 
whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my 
face no more !' 

" It is our earnest prayer to God for you, that if consistent with 
his wall, you may be spared to return to our beloved native land — 
and to the bosom of your family, to tell all your eyes have seen of 
• what God hath wrought among the Gentiles by the ministry of 
reconciliation.' 

" Pray for us that the word of the Lord may have free course, 
and be glorified in New Zealand, and that w'e may be delivered 
from unreasonable and wicked men. 

" Finally, Reverend and dear sir, we bid you farewell, and re- 
main in the bonds of Christian friendship, 

" Yours, very affectionately, 
" Charles Baker. " James Stack. 

" William Colenss. '* William Thomas Fairburx. 

" P. S. A difference of location of several of our brethren, and the^ ab- 
sence of some from home, will not allow of their signing theirnames, but 
we can confidently say, they fully agree with us in this expression of our 
sentiments." 



320 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

20th. "Yesterday, the weather fine and wind fair. In the 
evening, the island of New Zealand scarcely distinguishable from - 
the deck. We are now steering a course for New South Wales, 
1 trust, in the right line of things, to reach the port of Sidney, 
having nothing on my mind towards any other place. One whal- 
ing ship in sight this morning, under easy canvass, looking out for 
whales. Not having sat down yesterday, my Charles being a little 
sea-sick, or inclining towards it, we held our little meeting this fore- 
noon, the forepart more lively than sometimes, but the latter, as re- 
gards myself, unusually heavy. At sun-down, three whaling ves- 
sels in company together. As night approached, a heavy swell 
from the north-east, and a still heavier from the southward, in- 
creased upon us after having fairly passed the three Kings of New 
Zealand, about fifty miles. The vessel lurched with such violence 
and suddenness, owing to these cross and heavy swells of the sea, 
that, about ten o'clock, P. M., the topmast was carried away. By 
midnight, the fragments of the mast, and the shattered rigging and 
sail were rescued and properly secured. 

21st. " Strong breezes with a heavy rising sea still running 
crossly; the vessel laboured hard through the night and to-day, 
but did not ship any serious weight of water, though enough to 
search through the crevices into the cabin, and bed places, but the 
wind was fair all the day. 

24th. " On first-day, the weather being too rough for us to 
admit much light into the cabin, and the heat being oppressive in 
the vessel below deck, our crew were not assembled as at other 
times. Fair wind and heavy sea through the day. Our captain 
ascertained that seventy miles had been lost in forty-eight hours, 
by an opposing current, to which cause the cross swell and agi- 
tated state of the sea might fairly be attributed. To-day, our peo- 
ple were employed substituting our flying jib-boom, for a topmast, 
which, as a jury mast, will help to drive us along, but, in point of 
strength, much inferior to the old top-mast, which came from Eng- 
land with us, and has stood ever since; happily no one was hurt 
when the accident of losing it occurred, which ought to be remem- 
bered with thankfulness of heart. 

26th. " On third-day afternoon, the wind began to be scant and 
blew fresh in squalls, occasioning a cross and troubled sea, which, 
with the old easterly swell, gave us a very restless and uneasy 
night. Yesterday, though rough and tossing, we made some pro- 
gress in a right direction: after dark, the wind became more mode- 
rate, and the swelling of the water materially subsided. To-dayj^4 
the weather is more favourable with less wind ; made but little ^^ 
headway. We sat down in the forenoon in much poverty and 
strippedness, and yet under a peaceful covering. My Charles 
complains to-day of much pain in his side, owing, I believe, to the 
great damp in the cabin, produced by our having been closely shut 
up, to prevent the sea from getting down in a wholesale manner, 



I 



DANIEL WHEELER. 321 

but the water makes its way through so many places in the decks, 
as to make every article of clothing and bedding too damp for 
use : we have, however, no alternative, and hope, in a few days, 
again to see better times ; at present Charles's health is evidently 
affected by surrounding difficulties, which it is not in our power 
to remove. A sight of New Holland, will, I trust, revive and ani- 
mate us. 

27th. " Gentle breezes and fair all night. At three o'clock, 
A. M., Lord Howe's Island was discovered upon the lee-bow, and 
at day-break, Ball's pyramid on the weather-bow. At ten o'clock, 
passed between them with breeze from N.N.E. Upon Lord Howe's 
Island, there are three Englishmen residing, who have women from 
New Zealand as wives. It appears that they have raised hogs, 
potatoes and cabbages, sufficient for the supply of fourteen whal- 
ing vessels in a year. We are, this day at noon, 400 miles from 
the shores of New Holland. Charles seems better this morning. 
One sail in sight to the N. W. In the afternoon, a steady breeze 
from the northward, which freshened gradually through the night. 

28th. " Early this morning a strong wind from the N. N. W., 
which continued through the day, with a heavy sea ranging in 
several directions, owing to the different sets of currents. The 
heat of the atmosphere quite oppressive, and below deck almost 
insupportable. After midnight the lightning was extremely vivid 
all round us, with thunder at times awfully loud and near the ves- 
sel, the rain falling in torrents, and the wind flying about, first on 
one side, and then on the other. At five o'clock, A. M., the breeze 
became strong and steady from the S. S. E., which enabled us to 
make sail to the W. S. W. 

29th. {First-day.) " A portion of the Scriptures was read to 
the crew, only three of whom attended. Between three and four 
o'clock, the sea very cross and high, but afterwards much more 
settled and leading fair with the wind ; towards evening the water 
became suddenly smooth, compared with what it had previously 
been, from the current taking the course of the wind. At noon 
our latitude, 32° 43' south — the heads which form the entrance into 
Port Jackson, distant 125 miles, or thereabout. The air much 
cooler since the thunder, lightning and rain. 

" The state of feeling, both as to mind and body, for the last 
two days, cannot be easily described ; the latter, as if it had never 
known good ; and yet the loss could not be felt, if it had never 
been known and possessed. It is, however, to myself a relieving 
proof or evidence that a spark of life still remains, for that which 
is dead cannot feel : but outward circumstances which affect 
the body, also bear upon the mind, though imperceptibly, and at 
the moment unthought of as having any share in the mental con- 
flict. Below deck the water filters through upon us in many 
places: the deck above us drenched again and again by the break- 
ing tops of the sea ; the motion of the vessel so violent and inces- 

28 



322 LETTERS AND JOURNAL OF 

sant, as to admit no rest to be taken either sitting or lying, and 
walking is altogether impracticable. Perhaps, the motto of 
'Brighter hours will come;' is particularly appropriate in our 
case, and we may yet be permitted to realize the fact itself, and 
the language of David exultingly to be ours ; ' God hath spoken 
in his hoHness, I will rejoice.' 

30th. " A fresh gale all night, and the moon rising about mid- 
night, enabled us to run towards the land without fear. At day- 
light, several parts of the coast could be seen, from Port Stephen 
to the eastward. At eight o'clock, A. M., the light-house upon the 
South Head appeared. Strong breezes with considerable sea from 
the southward and eastward. Soon after getting sight of the 
Heads, which form the entrance into Sidney, a bark was seen 
standing into the offing, that had just come out of the harbour. 
Not knowing but that she was one of the homeward bound for 
England, and thinking this might possibly be an opportunity of 
letting our dear friends know of our return to New South Wales, 
from the isles of the Pacific, the * Henry Freeling's' flag was 
hoisted immediately, but, on getting nearer to her, she was found 
to be a whaling vessel, by the number of boats which she carried. 

" At nine o'clock, the signal for a pilot was made, and we were 
favoured to fetch into the entrance towards the port, but with very 
few fathoms to spare. At ten o'clock, took in the pilot and bore 
up for the harbour, and before two o'clock, were safely anchored 
in the cove. In the evening, moored close under the government 
domain, about thirty yards from the shore, by the side of the 'Jes- 
sie,' of Liverpool. 

" Here we found several ships preparing to take in cargoes for 
London, and the * Raltlesnake' and * Victor' men-of-war. Our ar- 
rival was soon known in the neighbourhood. Abraham Davy was 
shortly on board, and our dear friends James Backhouse and 
George Washington Walker were not long before they reached 
us : our joy was mutual at seeing each other's faces again, and I 
trust that our hearts were filled with gratitude and thankfulness to 
Him who had sustained us through all, and brought it about for 
His great name's sake. It was afterwards ascertained, that a 
number of letters from England and home were lying in store for 
us. Accounts of the welfare of our beloved family at Shooshar- 
ry, beyond my most sanguine expectations, were received up to 
within seven months of the present date, and not having heard of 
them for nearly two years, they seemed now restored to us again, 
as a treasure enhanced in value an hundred fold indeed, but still 
far beyond the reach of grasping in full possession. Humbled 
under a sense of the Lord's everlasting love and faithfulness, my 
heart rejoiced before Him." 



DANIEL WHEELER. 323 

Our friend Daniel Wheeler, and his son, remained at Sidney, 
until the 30th of Seventh month, when they sailed for Hobart 
Town. Much public service did not devolve upon Daniel Wheeler 
whilst at Sidney ; he regularly, when health permitted, attended 
the meetings for worship on first and fifth-days, kept up by a few 
individuals professing with Friends in that town, which were not 
unfrequently resorted to by others. Soon after their arrival at 
Sidney, agreeably with arrangements made on leaving England, 
they sold the " Henry Freeling," and discharged the ship's com- 
pany, and had likewise to dispose of numerous surplus stores be- 
longing to the ship ; these engagements undertaken in an exhausted 
state of health occupied much time. It was whilst at this place 
also, that Daniel Wheeler received the deeply affecting intelligence 
of the death of his eldest son, WiUiam Wheeler, who had been ap- 
pointed to succeed him in his extensive concerns in Russia. This 
valuable young man died at the Sand Rock Hotel, near Niton, on 
the Isle of Wight, on the 24th of Eleventh month, 1836, to which 
place he had resorted for a more genial climate — his illness was a 
consumption, which rapidly terminated his life. The intelligence of 
this event seems by the Journal of our friend, Daniel Wheeler, to 
have proven a keen stroke, but was borne with much Christian 
resignation. The life of William Wheeler had been marked by 
watchfulness and prayer ; and a conscientious regard to the point- 
ing of Divine wisdom in the discharge of his religious duties, as 
well as by an active, and diligent attention to his important con- 
cerns in business ; — his end was eminently crowned wuth peace, 
and an humble and confiding trust in Redeeming mercy. 

After a voyage of twelve days, they reached Hobart Town, 
where they rejoined our friends, James Backhouse and George W. 
Walker. Here again the ministerial labours of Daniel Wheeler, 
appear to have been pretty much confined to the meetings for 
divine worship, kept up in this town by persons professing with 
Friends, and regularly held on first and fifth-days. At this place 
they met a more numerous company than at Sidney. Shortly be- 
fore leaving Hobart Town, our dear friend received intelligence of 
a further domestic affliction in the death of his youngest daughter, 
who died at Shoosharry, near Petersburg, on the 15th of Seventh 
month, 1837. In this bereavement also, he was consoled in the 
comforting intelligence, that through Divine mercy, she had made 
a triumphant end. 

Daniel Wheeler and his son embarked on board the " Lloyds," 
bound for London, on the 9th of Twelfth month, 1837, and reached 
that port on the 1st of Fifth month, 1838 — sailing by way of Cape 
Horn, and touching at the Island of Ascension. 



324 LETTERS AND JOURNAL, &C. « 

The following are the closing extracts from his Journal, — " Af- 
ter a voyage of four naonths and twenty days from Van Diemen's 
Land, and the changes from heat to cold twice experienced during 
that time, my own health seemed scarcely to have been impaired ; 
but from the weakly state of my dear Charles, whose constitution 
had been much shaken by a lengthened illness previous to our 
leaving Europe, he was less able to bear a total want of vegetables 
for many weeks, to which we had been exposed, and the small 
quantity of fresh water, and that of a quality scarcely wholesome, 
to which we had been subjected the latter part of the passage. 
With these disadvantages, which there is reason to beheve had 
contributed to reduce his already diminished strength, he landed in 
a very feeble and languid condition, but I humbly trust, he is under 
the immediate and protecting care of the great and heavenly Phy- 
sician who alone hath power to heal, and to bless every endeavour 
to restore. 

" I should not be satisfied to conclude this unconnected and im- 
perfect narrative, without saying, how greatly I have been aided 
in the course of this religious engagement by the missionaries from 
difierent societies in Europe and North America, who very kindly 
acted as interpreters on my behalf to the native congregations 
upon the islands where my lot was cast, and opened their meeting- 
houses for our accommodation in the most brotherly manner ; to 
whom, for this assistance and Christian kindness many ways ex- 
hibited, we feel gratefully and highly indebted. 

" I may also be allowed to add at the same time, that having 
been encouraged by my dear friends at home to accept the com- 
pany of my son, Charles Wheeler, I have found him very useful 
and strengthening to me, during our long sojourn in foreign parts, 
in a variety of instances, and on many important occasions. 

" For the best welfare of the dear and interesting people, who 
inhabit those isles afar off, which, in the love of the Gospel, I have 
thus been drawn forth, and enabled to visit, a petition, however 
feeble, must ever dwell in my heart ; and I would earnestly and 
affectionately crave the fervent aspirations of all my dear brethren 
and sisters, when it is well with them, on their behalf: while they 
unite with me in commemorating the mercy, loving-kindness and 
faithfulness of Him, who for His great name's sake, and for his 
beloved Son's sake, wrought the work ; hath so marvellously sus- 
tained us through every season of trial and conflict, and delivered 
us out of ev^y distress, that the thanksgiving of many may resound 
to his praise, to whom the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, 
belong for ever." 



THE END. 



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